Universitario hosts Melgar in key Liga 1 Clausura match

Universitario de Deportes hosts FBC Melgar at Estadio Monumental on Saturday for matchday 11 of the 2026 Liga 1 Torneo Clausura. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. local time in a match broadcast on Liga 1 MAX.

Universitario sits second in the table with 20 points, two behind leader Deportivo Garcilaso. Melgar trails the leader by five points and needs a win in Lima. The home side comes off a 4-0 loss to Garcilaso, while Melgar drew 1-1 with Sport Boys last round.

“My players look good physically, I know them well, they've had 10 very good days. The squad is well, with a lot of desire. It would seem I never left the club.”

Fabián Bustos begins his second spell as Universitario coach after replacing Héctor Cúper. Bustos will not be on the bench due to a carryover suspension from last season. He said the squad had "10 very good days" of training during the FIFA break.

Universitario recovered several Peru internationals for this match. Diego Romero, César Inga, Jairo Concha, Gianluca Lapadula, and Alex Valera returned from national team duty and are available. An Argentine defender remains out with a muscle tear.

Confirmed lineups show Universitario starting with Romero; Santamaría, Riveros, Fara; Polo, Murrugarra, Concha, Calcaterra, Inga; Valera and Lapadula. Melgar lines up with Cabezudo; Lazo, Escobar, González, Cabanillas; Minda, Tandazo, Guzmán, Bordacahar; Quagliata and Cuesta.

Estadio Monumental U Marathon has a capacity of 80,093 spectators. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. Fans must present printed or digital tickets and carry their DNI. Pyrotechnics are prohibited.