The hearts of eleven lions in the Beira Río field beat to the rhythm of the breath of millions of Peruvians. Melgar didn’t play, Peru played. Never intimidated by the jersey they wore up front, they left behind the likes of Racing, Deportivo Cali and today they can boast of having eliminated Internacional de Porto Alegre at home.
This is Melgar, the Arequipa team that stopped being a project to become a reality, one of those far from what we see every weekend in League 1. The red-blacks believed they were among the top four. The whistle that ended the regular ninety minutes of play gave us a sense that so much perseverance and effort would not be in vain. Penalties and Carlos Cáceda’s figure grew with every shot. Three saved “red” penalties invited to dream. Kenyi Cabrera, the teenager-turned-man with the domino shirt, picked up the ball to go first to shoot. Aim and everything was on course.
Iberico lived tension for minutes because the rating was at his feet. Shot on the left hand of goalkeeper Daniel and the dream came true. The domino was set up in the semifinals of the South American Cup where they meet Independiente del Valle.
endurance and intelligence
Organized, focused and without prejudice, the players led by Pablo Lavallén played the game of their lives, perhaps for many. After a first half between the ropes under local pressure, the team dominated, persevered and even had a couple of finishes on goal defended by Daniel.
There have been changes compared to the 11 who entered the UNSA field in the first leg a week ago. The marker didn’t move, but the snapshot was a different story.
Melgar announced changes that had a positive impact. The match was played back and forth with an impeccable deneumostier, Iberico and Cabrera entered and started playing. Back then, Gabriel put up a strong fight against Arias and Tovar, the Chilean referee, showed him the reds. Since then, the game has been red and black; However, the goal was elusive. This brings us to the moment of high tension: penalty shootouts. A happy story that we celebrate with great roar. ❖
Infographic – The Republic
1. Happiness and Celebrations. After the penalty shoot-out in Beira Río, Brazil, the team deserved to celebrate. Photo: AFP
2. In the crosshairs. Orzán puts pressure on midfield. Photo: spread