Cristal and Melgar, two styles at war for the Peruvian soccer final

As if it were an editorial, it is said that Sporting Cristal has a style manual. An implicit document that requires you to win only one way. The most aesthetic and overwhelming. In 2013, when Roberto Mosquera was dismissed from Florida, despite the fact that he had been champion the previous year, the leaders of that time argued that the coach had failed to follow that manual, and that he should leave, as if he had committed a sin mortal.

The time was right with Mosquera: he returned years later to reconcile with the celestial fans and show that he always had that blessed document incorporated, with the aura of legend, that very few have seen. This year, that way of winning was supported by three men who do not usually throw points at the stands: ‘Canchita’ Gonzales, Yoshimar Yotún and Horacio Calcaterra. In cut, with dazzling appearances, was Martín Távara.

‘Canchita’ was sold to the Middle East, Yotún has an injury that doesn’t let him be, and Távara, as we already know, self-excluded himself. If we add to that that Castillo, a midfielder from another cut, although with a goal, was not in the first leg semifinal in Arequipa, we can understand how lonely Calcaterra felt in the middle of the week.

This afternoon, at the National Stadium, at 3:00 pm, information has emerged that Yotún will start against Melgar. He is not with football rhythm, of course, but what he can transmit from his stripes is unique. The Argentine Diego Buonanotte, who is usually taken into account in the second half, would also have a place in the starting eleven.

Mosquera must take risks: reversing a 2-0 against an opponent like Melgar, who feels comfortable defending and playing on the counterattack, will be a daunting task. It is enough for the squad led by Pablo Lavallén to score just one goal for the celestial company to become unattainable. If the Celestes manage to win today by a margin of two goals, they will go to penalties. There will be no extra time. Melgar trusts Bernardo Cuesta and company. Some will have. Two styles collide today. They will not leave us indifferent.

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