Despite not meeting the first goal of winning the Torneo Apertura, the main objective is to accumulate the most points in the overall standings, which grants a spot in the semifinals. Sporting Cristal will face Carlos Mannucci on Sunday with the intention of finishing the first part of the year in the best way possible.
The "celestes" have remained undefeated for nine games in the Liga 1 and the intention is to continue on that path. Roberto Mosquera will make some familiar changes, as well as others out of necessity, in order to form the best starting eleven with the goal of ending the Torneo Apertura on a high note.
Alejandro Duarte will return as the starting goalkeeper. The rotation in goalkeeping has been a detail that the coaching staff has maintained throughout the year, and this occasion will be no exception, with the aim of giving rhythm to the two excellent goalkeepers that the "cerveceros" have.
Martín Távara, accumulating yellow cards, and Jesús Castillo, injury, will be two significant absences in midfield, which has performed well in the last few matches. Jesús Pretell and Joao Grimaldo are expected to be substitutes, rearranging some positional pieces.
Yoshimar Yotún has ended his contract with Sporting Cristal, so he will not be able to play against Carlos Mannucci. Although extending his contract is currently complicated, they will wait a few weeks to learn about his future and attempt to negotiate an extension in the agreement.
With these absences, Sporting Cristal will try to continue on the upward path and arrive motivated for the start of the Torneo Clausura next week, when they host Sport Huancayo.
What's left for Sporting Cristal in the Apertura?
After their victory at the Monumental against Alianza Atlético Sullana, Sporting Cristal will close the Apertura against Carlos A. Mannucci as visitors. The match will take place on Sunday, July 3 at 12:00 pm.
When does Sporting Cristal debut in the Torneo Clausura?
Sporting Cristal will make their debut in the Torneo Clausura against Sport Huancayo. The match will take place on Saturday, July 9 at 1:00 pm local time.
Uncertain future?
Yoshimar Yotún returned to Sporting Cristal after several years abroad and, despite having regular playing time in the starting lineup, the Peruvian national team midfielder may be living his last days in La Florida. According to information shared by the club's president, his next destination would be in another league.
"His idea all along was to play with us until the end of the Apertura because once the Apertura ends, the international market opens up and he needs to have this rhythm in order to continue abroad," stated the Rimense president.