This Sunday, Sporting Cristal and Cusco FC will face off to determine the runner-up of Liga1 2025, a match that holds significant implications for both teams as they vie for a coveted spot in the group stage of the CONMEBOL Libertadores.
Sporting Cristal enters the match with a slight advantage, following a 1-0 victory in the first leg. However, Cusco FC, known as El Dorado, is eager to leverage the high altitude of Cusco to overturn the aggregate score and secure their place as Peru’s second representative in the upcoming Libertadores.
For Sporting Cristal, this season marks a challenging moment, as they have been five years without securing a national title. A breakthrough to the Libertadores group stage would not only salvage the season but also allow them to conclude on a strong note. The financial incentive is also substantial; qualifying would bring in $3 million from CONMEBOL, providing a boost to their budget for the 2026 season. The club is looking to rejuvenate its squad, with the anticipated return of Luis Advíncula among its priorities.
On the other side, Cusco FC’s potential subchampionship would be a fitting reward for an impressive season under coach Miguel Rondelli. The team was a strong contender for the Clausura title, battling fiercely with the eventual champion, Universitario. In preparation for the playoffs, Cusco FC has bolstered their roster with the addition of several key players, including Argentine midfielder Gabriel Carabajal and local talents such as José Manzaneda and Diego Soto.
Although the financial boost from qualifying would not completely rectify their budget, it would allow Cusco FC to pursue an impactful foreign signing, as well as a significant national player. Both clubs recognize that competing in the Libertadores group stage would enable them to focus on the Apertura 2026 league campaign without the distraction of preliminary rounds, which could risk their performance in Liga 1.
The match between Cusco FC and Sporting Cristal is set to kick off on Sunday, December 14, at 18:00 (COL/PER/ECU) and 20:00 (ARG/UY/PAR). Fans can tune in to watch the action live on L1 Max.
