Deportivo Garcilaso Triumphs in Cusco Derby with a 2-1 Victory Over Cienciano

In the high-altitude battleground of Cusco, where the air is thin and the history is rich, Deportivo Garcilaso continued their upward trajectory in the Peruvian Liga 1 Clausura with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over their storied rivals, Cienciano, on the evening of August 2, 2025. This was not just another match; it was the latest chapter in a fierce local rivalry that has captured the passion of the Cusco faithful for decades.

The electric atmosphere at the Estadio Inca Garcilaso de la Vega was palpable as the teams took to the field, with local fans eagerly anticipating a classic encounter. Cienciano, a club with a proud history and the only Peruvian side to have lifted the Copa Sudamericana, were desperate for their first win of the Clausura season. It was Carlos Garcés who ignited hopes for the visitors in the 15th minute, sending a ripple through the sea of red-clad supporters with a well-taken goal.

However, Deportivo Garcilaso, buoyed by an unbeaten start to their campaign, remained steadfast. As the first half drew to a close, Pablo Erustes restored parity with a crucial equalizer in stoppage time, capitalizing on a moment of defensive uncertainty from Cienciano. The timing of the goal could not have been more perfect, as it shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the home side.

The second half saw both teams vying for control, but it was Garcilaso's Argentine forward, Ezequiel Naya, who ultimately proved to be the difference maker. In the 78th minute, Naya latched onto a precise through ball, displaying poise and precision to slot the ball past the outstretched arms of Cienciano's goalkeeper. His goal not only secured the victory but also underscored the attacking prowess that Garcilaso has brought to the league this season.

With Patrick Zubczuk commanding the goal, and a defense marshaled by the experienced Juan Lojas and Héctor Salazar, Garcilaso held firm against Cienciano's late rally. The win propelled Deportivo Garcilaso to seven points in the standings, solidifying their position as early contenders in the Clausura.

For Cienciano, the result was a bitter pill to swallow, leaving them with only a single point from their opening three matches. As the dust settled on this enthralling derby, Garcilaso's players and fans celebrated a victory that resonated far beyond the final whistle, one that affirmed their ambitions for the 2025 campaign.