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The story of Universitario de Deportes is about fighting until the end, not giving up on any ball, and when things don't go well, the classic "garra crema" that characterizes them appears. With that motto, the Ate team will go to play a final this Sunday, May 28th against UTC from Cajamarca, on the playing field of the Héroes de San Ramón stadium.
The team, led by Jorge Fossati, is obliged to win in Cajamarca: it is the only way to keep their chances alive in this first objective of the season: the title of the 2023 Torneo Apertura. With five points less than their lifelong rival (Alianza Lima), and three games to go, there is little margin for error. In other words, failing is impossible. In fact, losing this afternoon (3:30 p.m.) against 'Gavilán' would leave everything in favor of Alianza Lima, who will receive Binacional tonight in La Victoria and only need a draw to celebrate at Matute.
An important challenge
Winning in Cajamarca for Universitario will not be easy at all. The "cold numbers," as many call them, indicate that it has been ten years since the "merengues" have managed to earn three points in the Héroes de San Ramón against UTC. To find the last victory of the "cremas" in that city, you have to go back to 2013 when they won with a brace from Raúl Ruidíaz.
Since that match, there have been six draws and six defeats. However, since the arrival of Fossati, the 'U' has been able to break bad streaks and achieve an important winning streak. Thus, there is extreme confidence that the match this Sunday both the Uruguayan coach and the players of the team will face it as a true final.
Fossati's words
In Ate, everyone is aware that the mission will not be easy at all. Therefore, Fossati talked about the 2,750 meters of altitude in Cajamarca, the synthetic turf of the playing field, and the uncertainty about the approach of Francisco Pizarro, the new coach of 'Gavilán'.
At the vicinity of Jorge Chávez airport, the Uruguayan strategist spoke to the press and said: "I haven't seen any easy match yet. Cajamarca has very good players, we don't really know what their approach will be because their coach took over this week and there are also the 2,700 meters that also influence... the synthetic turf."
Furthermore, the coach of Universitario stated that beyond all those points, they have the obligation to earn three points. "They are all difficulties, but when you want to achieve your goals, all difficulties are there to be overcome and not to stop you. We go with the best attitude, respecting the opponent, but above all respecting ourselves," he explained.
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