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What for many was the best game of the year was played in Villa El Salvador, south of Lima, but it was suffered in Trujillo, Arequipa, Sullana and even in Cusco. Sporting Crystal defeated 5-3 to Sport Boys and remains the sole leader of the Closing Tournament with 35 points in the absence of only three dates to finish the tournament.
They were up on the scoreboard twice, they tied it and they even turned around, but they recovered and ended up winning thanks to the large squad they have. The Rimenses showed why they are the main candidates to win the title of the second tournament of the year by winning a difficult match against a Boys who arrived wounded in their pride due to the punishment received by FPF Licenses.
Joao Grimaldo opened the scoring at 13 minutes, but at 21 ‘Fabrizio Roca tied the tie after an error from Omar Merlo. At 37′, Nilson Loyola He put the Celestes ahead again with a goal that should have been invalidated for offside. But the pink box equalized again with a bit of Tarek Carranza penalty (42 ‘). Even the Chalacos got on top with the header of Christian Flowers (64′). However, Cristal recovered and with the goals from Gerlad Tavara (71′ and 75′) and Jesus Pretell (85′) took the three points.
. In addition, they made the victory of César Vallejo (3-0 against Stein) useless, who for now is his closest pursuer with 31 units.
The contest is coming to an end and those led by Roberto Mosquera are getting closer and closer to the finish line. They still have three games ahead of them (Thursday vs. Grau, then they will visit Alianza Atlético in Sullana and close with Mannucci), but even scoring seven points would ensure the title. Even if Alianza Lima (vs. Cienciano in Cusco) and Melgar (vs. Universitario in the Monumental) lose this Sunday, they would need fewer units.
But, how is the Clausura champion defined? According to the bases of League 1, there are four criteria to take into account if two clubs are equal in points in the standings:
The particularity of the regulation is the last criterion. In the event that both clubs were equal in everything, even in “Fair Play”, the FPF Professional Football League; that is, the organizing entity must draw who is the champion. The contest could be defined outside the courts. Something unusual.
| This is how the Clausura champion is defined (in case of equality of points) | |
|---|---|
| 1.- Greater goal difference | If they tie… |
| 2.- Greater amount | If they tie… |
| 3.- Fair Play | If they tie… |
| 4.- Draw by the League | There are no more instances. |
Will it be up to the task?
Lima Alliance (third in the Clausura with 30 points) has no margin for error in a complicated fixture. This afternoon (6 pm) they will collide with Cienciano in Cuscoa place that they have not visited since 2015 and in which they have not won since 2011 when they won 1-0 with a goal from Paolo Hurtado, the winger who is back in La Victoria today but has not been called up for this match.
The intimates will be up to the task as another rival they must overcome to keep their chances intact, both in the Clausura and in the aggregate (they are second with 65 points, five less than Melgar and eight less than Cristal). Nevertheless,
The last two visits to the height have been draws for Alianza. In Cajamarca against UTC he could well find a comeback with a victory, but a silly penalty from Aldair Fuentes almost on time prevented it from happening.
Three defeats and two draws are the balance of the five outings at the height. And this condition will be the one that defines Alianza’s step, since its two remaining visiting games will be under those terms: this Sunday against Cienciano in the Cuzco and on the penultimate date before Ayacucho.
Yes alliance wants to continue in the fight, and considering that Cristal only leaves Lima to face Alianza Atlético in Sullana, that Melgar can stumble against the U, that the creams have yet to rest, the intimates only have to overcome their fears and win in the height.
| alliance in height | Result | Tournament |
|---|---|---|
| Arequipa | Melgar 1-0 Alliance | Opening |
| Huancayo | Huancayo 2-0 Alliance | Opening |
| Juliaca | Binational 1-0 Alliance | Opening |
| Junin | ADT 1-1 Alianza (tied in the first half) | Opening |
| Cajamarca | UTC 1-1 Alianza (they won but they tied it towards the end) | Opening |
U vs. Melgar, a discard party
This Sunday afternoon (3:30 pm), before a Monumental that promises to be packed, Universitario (5th, 28 pts.), with almost no chances, will receive Melgar (4th, 29 pts.) in a discard duel. In fact, if the ‘U’ loses, it will say goodbye once again to the long-awaited star 27.
The creams have not rested yet -they will do so the next day- and they have a visit to match: UTC awaits them in Cajamarca to close the contest. Then they will receive Sport Huancayo at home. Those led by Carlos Compagnucci have no choice but to get the three points at home.
The ‘domino’, meanwhile, after his visit to the Monumental de Ate, will receive Sports Boys Y Athletic Allianceand will visit Grau. The motto of the people of Arequipa, champions of the Apertura, is none other than to continue adding to the accumulated to maintain their place in the final and not have to play the semifinals before.
Other equipment
The fight for the Clausura is not reduced to four teams. Cesar Vallejosecond, and the surprising Atletico Grau (6th, 28 pts.) also daydream. The ‘poets’ won this date, but they will have two visits in a row (San Martín and Binacional) and then close against Deportivo Municipal in Trujillo.
Meanwhile, Atlético Grau, the other that still hasn’t rested, will receive Carlos A. Mannucci today (1 pm) and this Thursday they will try to steal points from Cristal to close the gap. Then he will receive Melgar and rest on the last day.
There are very few games left, but the Closure continues even. It is a fight between six teams – each one with their respective percentages of illusion – that has Sporting Cristal as the absolute leader. Who will take the contest? What are the bets!
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Source: Elcomercio
I, Ronald Payne, am a journalist and author who dedicated his life to telling the stories that need to be said. I have over 7 years of experience as a reporter and editor, covering everything from politics to business to crime.
