With the 2025 Torneo Clausura entering its decisive weeks, Peruvian football fans are on the edge of their seats as Liga 1 unveils the schedules for matchdays 12 and 13. The stakes couldn’t be higher for the country’s top clubs—Alianza Lima, Universitario de Deportes, and Sporting Cristal—all locked in a tense battle for the championship and the coveted spots in international tournaments. The coming fixtures promise drama, rivalry, and perhaps a few surprises, as teams look to seize every possible point in a calendar that’s tighter than ever.
Universitario de Deportes, currently leading the Clausura and aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive title, faces a challenging road ahead. The ‘Cremas’ will travel to Trujillo to face Alianza Atlético de Sullana on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Mansiche Stadium. Just a few days later, on Sunday, October 5, they’ll square off against Juan Pablo II at 6:00 PM in the imposing Monumental Stadium. The pressure is on—Universitario knows that any slip could open the door for their rivals. Their recent 0-0 draw in the Peruvian football classic against Alianza Lima only adds to the urgency. As the tournament’s leader, Universitario has little room for error if they want to keep their championship dreams alive.
Sporting Cristal, meanwhile, is plotting its own path to glory. The ‘Celestes’ will first host Ayacucho FC at the Alberto Gallardo stadium on Monday, September 29, at 3:15 PM—a fixture that could set the tone for their final push. Then, on Saturday, October 4, they’ll face a tricky away match against Unión Tarma, also at 3:15 PM. Sporting Cristal’s squad will need to dig deep, especially with back-to-back games that could define their season. The fight for points is fierce, and every minute on the pitch will count as they chase both domestic success and a spot in continental competitions.
Alianza Lima is no stranger to high stakes, and their upcoming fixtures are as crucial as they come. First, they’ll welcome Atlético Grau to the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium on Wednesday, October 1, at 8:30 PM. The home crowd will be expecting nothing less than a victory. Then comes a challenging away trip to Huánuco, where they’ll take on Alianza Universidad at the Heraclio Tapia León Stadium on Sunday, October 5, at noon. With the team also eyeing progress in the Copa Sudamericana, Alianza Lima must manage their squad carefully and avoid costly mistakes in these pivotal encounters.
But it’s not just the traditional giants who have everything to play for. FBC Melgar, fresh from a dramatic turnaround in the Liga Femenina, is looking to channel that winning spirit into their men’s campaign. Melgar recently pulled off a stunning 3-2 comeback against Real Ancash, snapping a four-match winless streak and climbing to sixth in the women’s standings with 11 points. Marcy Carrillo and Anyella Martínez were the heroes, with Martínez netting a crucial double to seal the victory. Now, Melgar’s men prepare for a high-stakes clash against Universitario on Sunday, September 14, at 3:00 PM at the Estadio Monumental de la UNSA. Sitting six points off the top, Melgar needs a win to keep their Clausura hopes alive. Captain Bernardo Cuesta will lead the line, especially vital given Jhonny Vidales’ recent suspension. The pressure is on, but Melgar’s recent resilience suggests they’re not out of the running just yet.
Elsewhere, the fixture list serves up plenty of intrigue. Melgar will also face Cienciano in Arequipa on Thursday, October 2, for the storied Clásico del Sur, before traveling to Piura to take on Atlético Grau on October 5. Sport Boys, after a rest in matchday 12, return to action against Sport Huancayo in the 13th round. Cusco FC faces a busy schedule with back-to-back games against Garcilaso and Los Chankas, while other teams jostle for position in the race for international berths and to avoid the drop.
One of the season’s most impactful developments has been the exclusion of Deportivo Binacional from the tournament, following a judicial resolution. The fallout has been significant: all matches previously played by Binacional have been declared null and void, with no points awarded to their opponents. This shake-up means that every matchday, two teams are forced to rest. In the 12th round, Sport Boys and Comerciantes Unidos sit out, while in the 13th, it’s Cienciano and Ayacucho FC who take an enforced break. The league’s decision, while necessary, has added another layer of complexity to an already unpredictable campaign.
Meanwhile, in Liga 3, Melgar’s reserve squad continues to impress. They top Group C with nine points and are eyeing a spot in the playoffs. On Monday, September 8, at 11:00 AM, they’ll face Deportivo Ucrania at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento del Dominó—a match broadcast live on DyJ Sports’ YouTube channel. Melgar’s recent 3-2 victory over Nuevo San Cristóbal, featuring goals from Ángel Obando, Juan Luis Muñoz, and Michel Estela, underlines their attacking prowess. Deportivo Ucrania, third in the group with four points, will be fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, having previously suffered a 3-0 defeat to Melgar in Nueva Cajamarca.
Looking back at recent history, Universitario and Melgar’s rivalry has delivered fireworks. In the 8th matchday of the 2025 Apertura, Universitario routed Melgar 4-1 at the Monumental, with goals from Alex Valera, Jairo Concha, and a double from José Rivera. This time, though, the stakes are higher, and both teams have plenty to prove. Universitario’s depth will be tested, with Jairo Vélez and José Rivera expected to step up due to injuries to Alex Valera and Edison Flores. For Melgar, every point is precious as they try to close the gap at the top.
As the Torneo Clausura’s final rounds approach, the margin for error shrinks with each passing match. The exclusion of Binacional has thrown a curveball into the mix, but the hunger for victory remains undiminished. With packed stadiums, passionate fans, and teams fighting tooth and nail for every ball, Peruvian football is set for a thrilling finish. Whether it’s the giants battling for the title or underdogs dreaming of an upset, one thing’s for sure: the next few weeks in Liga 1 promise drama, excitement, and perhaps a few unforgettable moments. The race for glory is wide open, and every fixture could tip the balance.
