On April 6, 2025, UTC Cajamarca faced off against Sporting Cristal at the Estadio Municipal Germán Contreras Jara for matchday 7 of the 2025 Torneo Apertura in Liga 1 de Perú. The match kicked off at 3:30 PM, with Edwin Ordóñez officiating and Michael Espinoza overseeing VAR. This encounter was crucial for both teams, with Sporting Cristal aiming to climb into the top ranks and UTC desperately seeking their first victory of the season.
Sporting Cristal entered the match in sixth place with 10 points, looking to break into the top 5. A win would not only boost their standings but also provide a much-needed morale boost after their recent 3-2 defeat to Palmeiras in the Copa Libertadores. The Celestes had, however, enjoyed a resounding 5-0 victory against Deportivo Binacional in their previous Liga 1 outing, where Martín Cauteruccio shone with two goals.
In contrast, UTC was struggling at the bottom of the table, having not secured a single win and sitting on just two points. The team had recently suffered a painful 4-2 loss to Juan Pablo II College, which left them in a precarious position. Coach Guillermo Farré faced mounting pressure, and the team was eager to turn their fortunes around in front of their home crowd.
The game started with Sporting Cristal showing early promise, with Christofer Gonzáles scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after being fouled in the box. The Celestes took a 1-0 lead, igniting hopes of a potential rout given UTC's struggles. However, the home side responded with determination, and the tide began to turn.
In the 32nd minute, Erinson Ramírez equalized for UTC with a stunning long-range shot that left Cristal's goalkeeper Alejandro Duarte with no chance. The goal was a turning point for UTC, who began to find their rhythm. Just minutes later, Cristian Mejía put UTC ahead with a well-placed shot in the 39th minute, making it 2-1 and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
UTC continued to press, and just before halftime, Freddy Oncoy added a third goal with a powerful header, closing the first half at 3-1 in favor of UTC. The home team had turned the match around dramatically, showcasing their fighting spirit and determination to escape the bottom of the league.
As the second half commenced, Sporting Cristal made several substitutions, including the debut of Jair Moretti, who replaced the injured Pósito. The Celestes were desperate to regain control of the match and started to push forward. However, UTC’s defense held firm, absorbing the pressure.
In the 70th minute, UTC was awarded a penalty after Jarlín Quintero was brought down in the box. Quintero stepped up to take the penalty and converted it, extending UTC's lead to 4-1. This goal further solidified UTC's dominance in the match and sent the visiting fans into despair.
Despite Sporting Cristal's attempts to fight back, they struggled to find the net. The team showed flashes of brilliance but lacked the finishing touch needed to make a comeback. The match concluded with UTC securing a much-needed 4-1 victory, marking their first win of the season and lifting them off the bottom of the table.
With this victory, UTC moved to five points, while Sporting Cristal remained in sixth place with 10 points, now eight points adrift of the league leaders, Melgar. The result was a significant boost for UTC, who had been under pressure to perform, and it could serve as a turning point in their season.
Looking ahead, Sporting Cristal will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next match, aiming to bounce back and return to winning ways. The players and coaching staff will be reflecting on this defeat and strategizing on how to improve their performance in the upcoming fixtures. Meanwhile, UTC will look to build on this momentum and continue their ascent up the league standings.
The match was broadcasted live on L1 Max and L1 Play, allowing fans across Peru to witness this thrilling encounter. As the season progresses, both teams will be keenly focused on their respective goals, with Sporting Cristal aiming for a top-four finish and UTC fighting to avoid relegation.
In the end, the clash between UTC and Sporting Cristal showcased the unpredictability of football, with the underdogs triumphing against the odds. As both teams move forward in the Liga 1, fans can expect more exciting matches in the weeks to come.
