Universitario de Deportes is riding high this September, with the club’s senior and reserve squads both making headlines across Peruvian football. The past week has seen the iconic Lima side clinch a playoff berth in Liga 3, while their first team prepares for a pivotal clash against Melgar in the Clausura of Liga 1 2025. Fans are buzzing—could this be the season Universitario cements its status as Peru’s footballing powerhouse?
Let’s start with the action in Liga 3, where Universitario’s reserve squad delivered a statement victory on Sunday, September 7, 2025. Traveling to the Estadio Municipal de la Juventud in Chongoyape, the young ‘crema’ side faced Deportivo Lute in a fourth-round Group B encounter. The stakes were clear: a win would not only keep Universitario atop the group but could also secure early qualification to the playoffs. And deliver they did, with Eduardo Urtecho emerging as the day’s hero.
The first half was a tense, goalless affair, with both teams probing for weaknesses but unable to find the breakthrough. After the break, Universitario shifted gears. At the 59th minute, Urtecho broke the deadlock with a composed right-footed finish, sending the travelling supporters into raptures. Barely six minutes later, he struck again—this time with a well-placed header at the 65th minute, doubling Universitario’s lead and effectively sealing the contest. Deportivo Lute, already struggling in the group, couldn’t find a way back.
With this 2-0 win, Universitario reached 12 points, consolidating first place in Group B of the Liga 3 second phase. Deportivo Lute, meanwhile, remained anchored at the bottom with just three points, their playoff hopes fading fast. The outcome also had mathematical significance: with two rounds left and an eight-point lead over both Alianza Lima and Juventus de Huamachuco (who were set to play each other on Monday, September 8), Universitario became the first team to qualify for the Liga 3 quarterfinals. At least one rival would be unable to close the gap, guaranteeing the ‘crema’ passage to the next round.
"Triunfazo crema en Chongoyape!" exclaimed local outlets, celebrating a performance that highlighted the depth and promise of Universitario’s project. The immediate future sees the reserve squad set to host Juventus de Huamachuco at Campo Mar - U, while Deportivo Lute faces a daunting trip to Alianza Lima at the Estadio Hugo Sotil. The broader Liga 3 landscape also featured notable results: Sport Huancayo bested José María Arguedas 2-0, Nacional FBC thrashed Nuevo San Cristóbal 6-2, Juventud Cautivo edged CNI 2-1, Unión Huaral beat Santo Domingo 1-0, and Juventud Alfa defeated Construcción Civil 2-1. The next matchday promises even more intrigue as the playoff picture sharpens.
Turning the spotlight to the senior team, Universitario de Deportes is set for a crucial test in the top flight. On Sunday, September 14, 2025, they travel to Arequipa to face Melgar at the imposing Estadio Monumental de la UNSA, with kickoff scheduled for 15:00 (Peruvian time). This isn’t just another league fixture—there’s plenty at stake. Universitario enters the match as leaders of the Clausura, hungry to bounce back after a goalless draw in the classic against Alianza Lima. With their sights set on a historic third consecutive national title, every point counts.
Melgar, on the other hand, sits six points adrift of the summit. Their recent campaign has been a mixed bag, including a dramatic late draw at ADT in Tarma. The pressure is on: a win over Universitario is essential for Melgar to keep their Clausura hopes alive and improve their standing in the overall table. The home crowd in Arequipa will expect nothing less than a spirited fight.
Both squads are dealing with personnel challenges. Universitario is without key attackers Alex Valera and Edison Flores due to injury, but coach Jorge Fossati is expected to rely on the creative talents of Jairo Vélez and the clinical finishing of José Rivera. Vélez’s ability to orchestrate play and Rivera’s knack for finding the net could make the difference in a high-stakes encounter. For Melgar, the absence of top scorer Jhonny Vidales (suspended after a red card) puts the onus on captain Bernardo Cuesta to lead the line and inspire his teammates.
There’s also recent history between the two clubs to consider. In the eighth round of the Apertura 2025, Melgar arrived in Lima as unbeaten leaders and struck first through Kenji Cabrera. But Universitario, then under Fabián Bustos, stormed back with goals from Alex Valera, Jairo Concha, and a brace from José Rivera to claim a resounding win. That turnaround is still fresh in the minds of supporters and could add an extra edge to Sunday’s contest.
Fans won’t want to miss a moment: the Universitario vs Melgar showdown will be broadcast live on Liga 1 Max, ensuring nationwide coverage for what promises to be a fiercely contested affair. With both teams chasing different objectives—Universitario aiming to strengthen their hold on first place and Melgar desperate to stay in the title race—the atmosphere at the Estadio Monumental de la UNSA should be electric.
In the bigger picture, Universitario’s dual success in senior and reserve competitions reflects a club firing on all cylinders. The reserve squad’s early playoff qualification in Liga 3 demonstrates the talent pipeline feeding the first team, while the senior side’s consistency at the summit of Liga 1 keeps dreams of a tricampeonato alive. It’s a testament to strategic planning, strong coaching, and a winning mentality that runs through the club at every level.
Looking ahead, Universitario’s next challenges will test their depth and resilience. The reserve side faces Juventus de Huamachuco with the pressure off but pride at stake, while the first team’s trip to Arequipa could prove pivotal in the Clausura title race. Will Universitario continue their relentless march, or will Melgar throw a wrench into their plans?
With the action heating up across both competitions, Universitario fans have plenty to cheer about—and plenty to watch for in the days ahead. The journey toward more silverware is far from over, but the signs are promising for the ‘crema’ faithful. Stay tuned as the season’s defining moments draw ever closer.
