Atletico Grau secured a commanding 3-1 victory over UTC Cajamarca at the Estadio Municipal de Bernal on Sunday night, extending their strong home form in the Peruvian Liga 1. The result keeps Grau firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish, while UTC Cajamarca remain locked in a mid-table battle.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Atletico Grau pressed with intensity, dictating the tempo and forcing early errors from the Cajamarca backline. The home side’s high‑energy approach paid off inside the first 15 minutes when a swift counter‑attack ended with a composed finish from forward Paolo de la Cruz. UTC struggled to find their rhythm, with Grau’s midfield trio of Alvaro Ampuero, Christian Flores and Marlon Ruidias cutting off supply lines to the visitors’ attacking outlets.

Grau doubled their lead shortly before the half-hour mark. A well‑worked corner routine saw defender Jonathan Vasquez rise highest to power a header past UTC goalkeeper Alan Pairazaman. The 2‑0 scoreline reflected Grau’s dominance, with the home side registering seven shots in the first half to UTC’s two.

Key Moments

• 12' – Goal by Paolo de la Cruz: A quick break down the right flank, cut‑back pass, and a clinical left‑footed shot into the bottom corner.
• 28' – Goal by Jonathan Vasquez: Precise corner from Ampuero met by Vasquez at the near post for a powerful header.
• 55' – Goal by UTC Cajamarca: A defensive mix‑up allowed forward Mathias Llontop to poke home from close range, giving the visitors a lifeline.
• 71' – Goal by Atletico Grau: Substitute Kevin Quiñonez latched onto a through ball and slotted past Pairazaman to restore the two‑goal cushion.

Tactical Story

Grau manager Rafael Castillo set his side up in a fluid 4‑3‑3, relying on full‑backs Jeremy Rostaing and Axel Sánchez to push high and create overloads. UTC’s 4‑2‑3‑1 formation proved too static, with their double pivot unable to cope with Grau’s quick transitions. The visitors improved after halftime by switching to a 4‑4‑2, which led to their goal, but Grau’s defensive discipline and quick counter‑attacks sealed the win.

Standout Players

• Jonathan Vasquez (Atletico Grau): Scored the crucial second goal and was a rock in central defence, winning eight aerial duels.
• Alvaro Ampuero (Atletico Grau): Dictated play from midfield, completing 42 passes with 91% accuracy and providing the assist for Vasquez’s header.
• Kevin Quiñonez (Atletico Grau): Came off the bench to score the decisive third goal, showing sharp movement and composure.

Season Impact

The win lifts Atletico Grau to 24 points from 14 matches, moving them into the top five of the Peruvian Liga 1 aggregate table. Their home record now stands at six wins and two draws from eight games, making the Estadio Municipal de Bernal one of the toughest venues in the league. For UTC Cajamarca, the defeat leaves them on 18 points in 13th place, still only six points above the relegation zone but with work to do to build consistency on the road.

Grau will look to maintain momentum when they travel to face Sport Huancayo next weekend, while UTC host ADT at home, hoping to return to winning ways in front of their own fans.