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Valera’s Long-Range Equalizer Earns Peru 1-1 Draw With Russia in Saint Petersburg

The performance intensifies scrutiny of Peru’s striker choice ahead of Chile on November 18.

Overview

  • Russia went ahead on 18 minutes after a Pedro Gallese miscontrol from a Miguel Araujo back-pass allowed Aleksandr Golovin to score at the Gazprom Arena.
  • Second-half substitute Álex Valera leveled late with a powerful left-footed strike from roughly 30–35 meters, hitting the net around the 82–85 minute mark.
  • The Universitario forward strengthened his claim to be Peru’s No. 9, drawing praise for his impact off the bench during a transitional period for the attack.
  • SofaScore rated Valera 7.1 to share a team-high after about 30 minutes played, with two of Peru’s three shots, and he registered his fourth goal for the national team.
  • Russia coach Valeri Karpin called Peru a “good and dignified opponent” and criticized his own side’s display, as Peru turns to face Chile in Sochi on November 18.