Alianza Lima and Melgar played out a 1-1 draw at the Estadio Monumental de la UNSA in Arequipa on Sunday in matchday 6 of Peru's Torneo Clausura, a result that cost Alianza Lima the lead in the standings.
Melgar's Cristian Bordacahar opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, beating the Alianza defense to head in from close range. Ecuadorian forward Eryc Castillo equalized for the visitors in the second minute of first-half stoppage time with a well-placed shot.
The draw allowed Deportivo Garcilaso to move above both sides into first place in the Clausura table, with Alianza Lima and Melgar left chasing the leaders.
Alianza Lima coach Pablo Guede protested furiously to the fourth official after Melgar's goal, claiming there had been two balls on the field when Bordacahar scored.
A tight contest in Arequipa
Melgar took the early initiative, controlling possession from the second minute. Right back Luis Advíncula tested Melgar goalkeeper Jorge Cabezudo with a left-footed effort in the 6th minute that passed close to the post.
Alianza goalkeeper Duarte was repeatedly called into action, saving with his hand to deny Nicolás Quagliata in the 10th minute, keeping out a rebound after a Bordacahar shot in the 19th, and responding twice to hold onto the ball in the 29th. Melgar defender Juan Escobar also slid in to block a shot from Castillo in the 13th minute.
Melgar came closest to a second goal in the 37th minute, when Jhonny Vidales struck the crossbar and Bernardo Cuesta headed the rebound goalward, only for the Alianza defense to clear off the line. Alianza won a dangerous corner three minutes later before Castillo struck the equalizer in stoppage time.
Second-half chances and a late save
Jairo Vélez, a Peru national team midfielder, saw a shot deflected wide by a Melgar defender in the 49th minute, and Renzo Garcés failed to convert a clear chance in front of goal a minute later.
Paolo Guerrero came on for Gaspar Gentile in the 65th minute to add attacking power for Alianza. Melgar's Cuesta went close with a left-footed effort in the 62nd minute and forced a save from Duarte in the 67th.
Vélez was substituted with an apparent injury in the 78th minute, replaced by Cristian Neira, with Castillo also coming off for Archimbaud. In the 90th minute, Chilean defender Nico Díaz threw himself across goal to block a Cuesta shot and preserve the draw.
Lineups and team news
Guede made a surprise choice in his starting eleven, opting not to field a recognized striker and instead starting Argentine forward Gaspar Gentile. Guerrero and fellow forward Girotti were left out of the starting lineup; according to journalist Kevin Pacheco, Girotti had felt some discomfort during the week, while Guerrero was not at full fitness.
Melgar, coached by Miguel Ángel Rondelli, lined up with Jorge Cabezudo in goal behind a back four of Matías Lazo, Juan Escobar, Leonel González and Nelson Cabanillas. Walter Tandazo, Kevin Minda and Nicolás Quagliata played in midfield, with Cristian Bordacahar, Jhonny Vidales and Bernardo Cuesta up front.
Alianza Lima fielded Duarte in goal, with Advíncula, Garcés, Antoni and Díaz in defense, Pavez, Gaibor and J. Castillo in midfield, and Gentile, Vélez and E. Castillo leading the attack. Micke Palomino was the referee.
Venue and recent form
The match was played at the Estadio Monumental de la UNSA, a stadium in Arequipa with capacity for more than 60,000 spectators.
Alianza Lima arrived on the back of a narrow 1-0 win over UTC at their Matute stadium in Lima. Melgar came into the game after a surprise 3-0 win away to Los Chankas.
How to watch and betting odds
The match was broadcast on L1 Max, with kickoff at 3:30pm Peru time. Bookmakers had given Melgar a slight edge beforehand. Betsson priced a Melgar win at 2.00 against 3.85 for Alianza Lima and 3.15 for a draw. Betano, Bet365, 1XBet, Caliente and Doradobet offered similar prices, all favoring the home side.
