Overview

• Universitario reached 24 points to lead the Clausura by five over Cusco FC, who hold a game in hand, putting the title defense in their own hands.
• Álex Valera scored twice to reach 14 goals this year as club executive Álvaro Barco praised him, saying he merits a major deal and could be sold abroad; his contract runs through December 2026.
• Two of Universitario’s goals came from set pieces, with Valera crediting concentration and the squad’s strength on dead balls for the edge.
• Midfielder Jesús Castillo left with a knock that the club views as minor pending tests, while coach Jorge Fossati said defender Paolo Reyna likely misses Wednesday due to a suspected nasal fracture.
• Fossati cautioned the match did not decide the title but called it an important step, as Cusco coach Miguel Rondelli defended his squad’s effort and budget, and Universitario now visits Alianza Atlético in Trujillo on Wednesday.