Sporting Cristal 2-1 AD Tarma: Late Winner Keeps Title Hopes Alive

Sporting Cristal edged a thrilling Peruvian Liga 1 encounter against AD Tarma on May 25, 2026, winning 2-1 at the Estadio Alberto Gallardo. The victory was crucial for the Celestes as they chase the league leaders.

First Half: Cristal Strike First

The home side started brightly and took the lead in the 15th minute. Winger Joaquín Ardaiz received the ball on the left, cut inside, and fired a powerful shot into the net. Tarma, however, refused to wilt and grew into the game. They equalized in the 38th minute when striker Luis Tejada glanced a header from a corner past the keeper.

The first half ended 1-1, with both teams creating promising openings.

Second Half: Cristal’s Resilience Pays Off

The second half was a tense affair. Sporting Cristal dominated possession but found Tarma’s defense difficult to break down. The breakthrough came in the 78th minute when substitute Jesús Pretell was fouled in the box after a surging run. Martín Cauteruccio stepped up and calmly converted the penalty to put Cristal back in front.

Tarma pushed for a second equalizer, but Cristal’s defense, led by Rafael Lutiger, held firm. The win kept Sporting Cristal within striking distance of the top spot in the Liga 1 standings.

Key Moments

• 15' – Ardaiz’s clinical finish put Cristal ahead.
• 38' – Tejada’s header restored parity for Tarma.
• 78' – Cauteruccio’s penalty proved the difference.

Sporting Cristal will hope to carry this winning momentum into their next match, while AD Tarma must recover quickly to avoid slipping further down the table.