The Second Division Tournament

The Second Division tournament has become so competitive and nail-biting that, with only four matches remaining, up to seven teams have a chance at winning the championship. And the most interesting part is that the top four teams in the standings will play against each other in this final stretch. Guaranteed spectacle and a thrilling finale.

Among the top contenders, Cienciano from Cusco is the favorite due to being one of the main protagonists throughout the tournament, as well as having the largest fan base.

The Battle of 'Papá'

Cienciano from Cusco is currently leading with 45 points, but Carlos Mannucci from Trujillo, Alianza Universidad from Huánuco, and Academia Cantolao, with 43 points each, are closely following the imperial team.

Cienciano will face Academia Cantolao, in what could be a deciding match, in this round. The Cusco team, with the arrival of Sergio Ludeña, has experienced a resurgence in competitiveness, organization, and management. Their leadership can be solidified against Cantolao, although they will face two tough challenges away from home later: against Alianza Universidad and Cultural Santa Rosa.

In the last round, Cienciano surprisingly lost 1-0 to Los Caimanes, as the visiting team, breaking a good streak of five matches without defeats, four of which were victories.

In this final stretch, Cienciano will close at home against Carlos Mannucci, a direct rival with whom they could even define the very promotion at the Garcilaso de la Vega stadium.

Trujillo's Heart

Carlos A. Mannucci is another top contender to win the Second Division title and therefore, the coveted promotion. The Carlista team was the clear leader for a long time, but a bad streak caused them to fall.

Mannucci will host Los Caimanes this weekend, and then visit Academia Cantolao, another top contender for the title.

The Trujillo team has gone three matches without a victory, so it will be crucial for them to react with only 4 matches left. One defeat and two draws have condemned them to lose the lead. In the last round, if they recover, they will have to fight for the title in the challenging city of Cusco.

Huánuco United

In addition to Academia Cantolao, which fought for promotion through the Copa Perú in 2015, and Alianza Universidad from Huánuco, there is a second battalion just two points behind.

It is worth highlighting the great campaign of the Huánuco team, a constant participant in the Second Division throughout the season.

Alianza Universidad must visit Torino this round, who might arrive somewhat tired after their match on Wednesday against Sport Boys, a rescheduled game.

Then, the Huánuco team must host Cienciano, in a crucial match for their title aspirations. A duel that can decide both their future and Cienciano's. But in the penultimate round, the situation is also urgent and complicated: they must visit another strong contender, Carlos A. Mannucci.

In the last round, if they survive the previous three matches, they will play at home against Deportivo Coopsol, who also have chances, although smaller ones.

Coopsol, Los Caimanes, and Sport Áncash currently have 41 points and are in the fifth to seventh positions. But these teams rarely play against each other, and the path to the title is different for each of them.