Estudiantes drew 1-1 with Cusco FC in Peru | OneFootball

In a two-faced match, Estudiantes salvaged a 1-1 draw against Cusco at Peru’s 3,400-meter altitude. Alexander Medina’s team struggled in the first half, but showed class after the break to earn a point that could prove decisive in Copa Libertadores Group A.

A Peruvian monologue and Muslera’s hands

From the start, the “Pincha” felt the impact of the thin air. Cusco FC set a frantic pace and turned Fernando Muslera into the standout player of the night. The Uruguayan goalkeeper kept the score level with three key saves, but there was nothing he could do in the 36th minute of the first half, when Lucas Colitto managed to break through the resistance of the La Plata side to make it 1-0 after constant pressure. Estudiantes went into halftime exhausted and with the feeling that the scoreline was flattering.

Tiago’s response and the Lion’s composure

In the second half, the script changed. Medina adjusted the lines and Estudiantes came out with a different mindset. In the 11th minute, Tiago Palacios played a perfect one-two with youngster Mikel Amondarain and finished coolly to level the match.

With the introductions of Cetré and Farías, the Argentine side got a second wind and even dared to push for the win in the final stretch. Although Cusco tried to respond with attacking substitutions, the defensive organization of González Pirez and Muslera’s reliability secured a draw that leaves Estudiantes in a strong position for the round of 16.

Match Summary

CUSCO FC (1): Pedro Díaz; José Zevallos, Álvaro Ampuero, Aldair Fuentes, Marlon Ruidías; José Manzaneda, Oswaldo Valenzuela, Diego Soto, Lucas Colitto; Iván Colman and Facundo Callejo. Coach: Miguel Rondelli.

ESTUDIANTES (1): Fernando Muslera; Eric Meza, Leandro González Pirez, Tomás Palacios, Gastón Benedetti; Alexis Castro, Gabriel Neves, Mikel Amondarain; Tiago Palacios, Guido Carrillo and Fabricio Pérez. Coach: Alexander Medina.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.