Sporting Cristal crowned champion of the 2016 Descentralizado
Sporting Cristal became the champion of the 2016 Descentralizado after a 0-0 draw against Melgar at the Estadio Nacional (in Arequipa they had drawn 1-1 and the away goal allowed them to secure the title with this result). The match was a celebration in the stands and a constant battle on the field. Check out every detail in our chronological gallery of the match.
From the pre-match to the celebration, the Cristal fans were euphoric and always supporting their team. Some even arrived at the stadium five hours before the match. At the end of the match, Mariano Soso and his players couldn't hold back their tears. Diego Ifrán, Jair Céspedes, and Pedro Aquino also looked very emotional.
"This group has a very valuable component that has to do with an internal strength that comes from the human quality of each player in the squad," said the proud Sporting coach, who confessed to wanting to take Cristal to the top of the 2017 Copa Libertadores.
Sporting Cristal is the most successful team in recent years. The rimense team has participated in four of the last five finals of the Peruvian Descentralizado. Precisely, Soso was a champion with the club in 2014, although that season he did it as an assistant coach to the Argentine Daniel Ahmed.