Universitario Falls to Chankas: Rabanal & Riveros React to Liga 1 Upset
ANDAHUAYLAS, Peru – Los Chankas delivered a stunning upset on , defeating reigning champions Universitario 3-1 in a pivotal Torneo Apertura clash. The victory catapults Los Chankas to the top of the Liga 1 standings, injecting a new level of intrigue into the early stages of the season.
Franco Torres opened the scoring for the home side in the 5th minute, setting the tone for a dominant performance at Estadio Los Chankas. Even as Williams Riveros briefly leveled the score for Universitario, goals from Abdiel Ayarza and Marlon Torres sealed the win for Los Chankas, leaving Universitario reeling.
The result is particularly significant given the context of the Apertura tournament. With six matchdays completed, Los Chankas now lead the table with 14 points. The win puts immediate pressure on other contenders, including Alianza Lima and Sporting Cristal, who are yet to face each other on .
Universitario coach Javier Rabanal, while visibly disappointed with the outcome, defended his team’s performance in the post-match press conference. We dominated practically the entire match. Each team played with its weapon that brings them closest to victory. We haven’t been clinical. After equalizing, they immediately scored again,
Rabanal stated. He acknowledged the strength of Los Chankas, describing them as a very complete and complicated team. There is a need to respect Los Chankas. The result seems a little exaggerated to me.
Rabanal’s comments suggest a belief that Universitario’s overall performance wasn’t entirely reflective of the 3-1 scoreline, but he conceded the effectiveness of their opponents.
The loss is compounded by the potential for Alianza Lima to extend their advantage over Universitario should they defeat Melgar in their upcoming match. A win for Alianza would create a five-point gap between them and the defending champions, further complicating Universitario’s position in the league table.
Central defender Williams Riveros offered a more introspective assessment of Universitario’s struggles, acknowledging the team is still adapting to Rabanal’s tactical approach. It’s a little difficult for us to understand what the coach is asking for, but it’s a process. The biggest difference is playing from the back and giving the forwards some breathing room so they don’t always play long balls,
Riveros said. He appealed to the Universitario faithful for patience, stating, I ask the fans to remain calm.
Riveros’s words hint at a period of transition for Universitario, as they attempt to implement a new style of play under Rabanal.
Los Chankas’ ascent to the top of the table is a surprise to many, but their performance against Universitario demonstrates a clear tactical identity and a willingness to take the game to their opponents. Their ability to capitalize on Universitario’s vulnerabilities, particularly in the final third, proved decisive. The team’s strong home form will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the Apertura tournament.
Elsewhere in Liga 1, Sporting Cristal secured a 3-1 victory over Alianza Atlético on , while Cusco FC defeated Deportivo Garcilaso 1-0. These results further highlight the competitive nature of the league and the unpredictable outcomes that are becoming increasingly common.
The upcoming match between Alianza Lima and Melgar promises to be another significant encounter, with the potential to reshape the league standings. The outcome will not only determine the gap between Alianza and Universitario but as well provide a clearer indication of Melgar’s championship aspirations. Los Chankas, meanwhile, will look to consolidate their position at the summit and prove that their victory over Universitario was not a fluke.
The early stages of the Torneo Apertura have already delivered several surprises, and the emergence of Los Chankas as genuine title contenders adds another layer of excitement to the Liga 1 season. The coming weeks will be crucial as teams battle for position and attempt to establish themselves as frontrunners in the race for the championship.