Bernardo Cuesta's statements after Melgar's 1-0 victory against Alianza Lima in Arequipa.

An important victory at the Monumental Stadium of UNSA in Arequipa. Melgar defeated Alianza Lima by a single goal this Wednesday in the first leg of the 2022 Liga 1 final. Bernardo Cuesta was one of the protagonists of the match and, after the victory, gave statements about the performance of the squad and the duel in Lima.

"We knew it was going to be a very complicated final. We played a semifinal a few days ago, practically we only had enough time to recover. We felt it in the last 15 or 20 minutes, I think we made a big effort in search of the result," Cuesta said in statements to GOLPERU.

Despite the effort, the player was happy with the result: "Happy for the team's effort, for the advantage we were able to take and now we are already thinking about what's next."

The tie is not closed and Bernardo Cuesta is clear about it: "Yes, of course, one goal is the minimum. Now we have to prepare ourselves to go to Lima and play our game as we always do. Be protagonists and go for the objective."

Finally, the Argentine player thanked the fans who were present supporting them in Arequipa: "The response from the people was spectacular, very grateful to all of them for their support in this first final. Turn the page and think about Saturday."

The first leg was played in front of more than 40,000 spectators. The second leg will be played on Saturday when Alianza receives Melgar at their stadium in the La Victoria neighborhood of Lima.

Melgar will be the champion with a draw or victory. If Alianza ties the aggregate score, the winner will be determined by a penalty shootout as there will be no extra time. Alianza reached the final of the 2022 tournament as the champion of the Clausura, while Melgar did so by eliminating Cristal in the semifinals.