After several matches playing locally and internationally, FBC Melgar tasted the bitter flavor of defeat. Yesterday, they lost to Sporting Cristal by 1-0. The result ended their undefeated record playing in Arequipa, preventing Carlos Cáceda from breaking an unbeaten record, and also taking away their first place in the standings.
The Melgar fans, accustomed to leaving the Arequipa stadium happy, left with the bitter taste of defeat. Very soon, at the 9th minute, Alejandro Hohberg scored the first goal of the match. There were only 15 seconds left for Cáceda to break Erick Delgado's record, but he came very close.
It was a great first half played by Cristal. They knew how to handle the ball and take advantage of the defensive mistakes. It was precisely Cáceda who saved the second clear goal opportunity for the visitors with Irvén Ávila. The Melgar players were confused, it was the first time this year that they were losing at home.
YOU CAN SEE: Sporting Cristal ended Melgar's undefeated streak in Arequipa by defeating them 1-0 in the League
In the second half, the offensive system was reassessed. Therefore, Cristal withdrew their lines and FBC Melgar pushed forward. Goal opportunities were generated, but wasted due to the anxiety to score. The players did not try long-distance shots, it seemed that their aim was to take the ball and attack the opponent's goal.
At the end of the match, FBC Melgar's captain, Bernardo Cuesta, said that the result is not a drama, but a serious wake-up call to correct mistakes and improve in the upcoming matches.
In turn, the coach Pablo Lavallén said: "There is frustration for losing to an important rival. They scored the goal very quickly. That generates desperation, rush. Melgar is a team with a strong home field advantage and we must work so that we don't lose more points," he said.
Cristal reached 44 points, the same as Melgar in the cumulative table, but they are currently in first place due to goal difference.