Melgar
is experiencing one of the best seasons in its history. After winning the Apertura Tournament and qualifying for the semifinals of the Copa Sudamericana, the red and black team has a great opportunity to achieve the double, which would be a milestone for Peruvian football.
Although the team's level is very good, one of the outstanding performances of the squad throughout the year was Carlos Cáceda's penalty saves against Internacional. The former Universitario goalkeeper saved three penalty shots, being fundamental for the qualification.
Stopping so many shots in a penalty shootout is not an everyday situation. That is why, in the program "Al ángulo," they asked Cáceda what his secret was. "After lunch, before the match, with Professor Javier, we watched an hour of penalties of the ones who were going to kick. I knew where many times they were going to kick and I was able to dive there," he said on Movistar Deportes.
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"It's always good to study and always be prepared for everything. We knew that we were going to play a good game having to withstand their attack because we were focused on playing well. Penalty shootouts have to do with luck, but also with preparation," he commented.
In addition, the former Deportivo Municipal player highlighted that the entire group of players gave their best to achieve the goal. "There are no stars here, everyone contributes a little bit to the team's success. I had to do a little, and the good execution of my teammates made it possible for us to achieve it," he said.
Melgar vs. Independiente del Valle
Melgar and Independiente del Valle will play the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana semifinals on Wednesday, August 31. The match will be played at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium in Quito, at 7:30 p.m. (Peruvian time). The television broadcast signal is to be confirmed.