Tournament Fixture
The fixture for the 2018 Apertura Tournament has been announced. The 16 teams will start this championship with zero points to determine the winner of this competition. However, the clubs must be aware that there is an accumulative table that has been accumulating since the first match of the Verano Tournament. This table will determine which teams get relegated and which teams advance to the semifinals of the Descentralizado in case there are repeat champions in two of the three tournaments.
First Round
The first round will feature several interesting matches. Among them, the duel between Sporting Cristal vs Sport Boys, Sport Huancayo vs Real Garcilaso, and Universitario vs Melgar stand out.
Sporting Cristal vs Sport Boys
The rimenses will face Sport Boys at Miguel Grau del Callao for the first time, making it a very attractive match for the 'Misilera' fans. After five years, both teams will once again provide an exciting match for the Peruvian Descentralizado.
Sport Huancayo vs Real Garcilaso
Real Garcilaso will seek revenge against the 'Rojo Matador' since they were the ones who eliminated them from the Verano Tournament. As you may recall, Sport Huancayo defeated Real Garcilaso 0-3 in Cusco, leaving them with no chance to fight for the top spot in Group B against FBC Melgar.
Universitario vs Melgar
Universitario will make their debut in the Apertura Tournament against a tough opponent like FBC Melgar, who have been contenders in recent years. Points are vital in this championship as there are only 15 rounds to accumulate the most points and secure a top position in the standings.
Tournament Decider
The champion of the Verano Tournament is still unknown, but it will set a precedent for all the clubs. None of them would want to repeat the success in the Apertura Tournament since, as mentioned earlier, whoever wins all three tournaments in the Descentralizado will automatically be the national champion of 2018. If they win only two times, they will have a direct spot in the final for the national title.
Match Schedule
Friday, May 18
Ayacucho FC vs Comerciantes Unidos
Time: 15:00
Saturday, May 19
Binacional vs Deportivo Municipal
Time: 13:00
Unión Comercio vs Academia Cantolao
Time: 15:30
Sport Rosario vs Alianza Lima
Time: 17:45
Sport Boys vs Sporting Cristal
Time: 20:00
Sunday, May 20
Universidad San Martín vs UTC
Time: 13:30
Universitario vs Melgar
Time: 16:00
Monday, May 21
Sport Huancayo vs Real Garcilaso
Time: 20:00