The good times
After another failure of Alianza Lima and Sporting Cristal in the Copa Libertadores, the possibility of seeing a Peruvian club competing in the final stages of the tournament is very distant. The last time a national representative managed to cross the group stage was in 2013 and it was achieved by the modest Real Garcilaso.
The team led by Fredy ‘Petróleo’ García had won the Copa Peru 2011 and, the following year, achieved the runner-up position, which qualified them for the Copa Libertadores for the first time in their history.
In that campaign, they faced Cerro Porteño, Independiente Santa Fe, and Deportes Tolima. Against all odds, the Cusqueños became strong at home and achieved victories in Colombian and Paraguayan territory. This allowed them to reach the round of 16.
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The task would not be easy. They would face one of the best in the continent: Nacional de Uruguay. The Uruguayans were the favorites in the series. However, they came up against an organized rival and, after a 1-1 draw on aggregate, they had to go to penalties. This scenario was favorable for the Incas and they won 4-1.
In the quarterfinals, they would face Independiente Santa Fe again. Unfortunately, the Colombian team was far superior, as they won 5-1.
Among the most outstanding players in that squad were Rolando Bogado, Víctor Ferreyra, Fabio Ramos, Alfredo Ramua, Luis Guadalupe, Jhoel Herrera, and Diego Carranza. Some of them have already retired from professional football and one will have the chance to compete in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
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A world cup player: Diego Carranza
The Argentine goalkeeper was one of the key players in that campaign. After leaving the institution, he retired wearing the Alianza Atlético shirt in 2017 and then began his coaching career.
He currently works as a goalkeeper coach in Gustavo Alfaro's coaching staff for the Ecuadorian national team and will be present at the next World Cup.
Diego Carranza in training. Photo: La Tri
Between Liga 1 and retirement
One of the most remarkable aspects of the celestial team was their defensive organization. On the wings stood out Jhoel Herrera, the right back who now serves as the team manager of Cusco FC (formerly Real Garcilaso), and Iván Santillán, who currently plays for Universitario.
In defense, there was Luis Guadalupe and in midfield Edwin Retamoso. 'Cuto' hung up his cleats and has a role as a host in his show "La Fe de Cuto". Meanwhile, the former midfielder is preparing to be a sports manager or director.
Luis Guadalupe became a national champion with Juan Aurich. Photo: EFE
The foreign legion
The national strategist maintained his trust in three Paraguayan players: Víctor Ferreira, Rolando Bogado, and Fabio Ramos.
The first one was an unstoppable scorer and the last thing known about him is that he played for General Díaz in his country in 2020. As for the central defender, he has been playing in the Paraguayan third division with Benjamín Aceval. 'Pitu' is also in the final stage of his career and is playing in the second division.
Furthermore, another player who showed great level was Alfredo Ramúa. The Argentine moved to Sporting Cristal, but could not establish himself and decided to return. Now he faces the Liga 2 with the Cusqueños.