Cienciano blew its chance to lock in a Copa Sudamericana berth after a home loss to Sport Huancayo in Cusco. The ‘dad’ had enjoyed a stellar first half abroad, yet faltered in Liga 1. Can they still salvage the season?
Cristian Ruggeri, Horacio Melgarejo’s aide, flagged Matías Succar’s missed penalty as the turning point. “We led five minutes thanks to Nieri, then the penalty could have made it 2‑0 and changed everything,” he told reporters.
Ruggeri noted the ‘red killer’ used its firepower, while Cienciano kept the visitors’ strikers quiet in the first half. The flow shifted after the squandered chance from twelve yards out.
“After the missed spot‑kick we lost momentum, gave away second balls, and Sanguinetti or Luján made it tough for us,” he explained.
He also stressed Cienciano remains in the international mix, with the upcoming clash against Sporting Cristal deciding their fate. “We’re still in the mix, not out. One more game at their stadium will be brutal, but football’s never settled until we play,” he said.
The assistant admitted he feels happy living in Cusco and part of the club. He praised the fans’ loyalty in both triumphs and setbacks. “Full gratitude – they stand by us in good times and bad. I love this city and this club,” he declared.
The Argentine trainer highlighted how supporters fill the stadium and cheer to the final whistle. “They’ve proven it every time, big matches or not, the crowd comes and packs the ground,” he noted.
Ruggeri thanked the fans and urged Cienciano to keep ambitious aims. He mentioned a possible return to the Copa Sudamericana, yet also suggested eyeing a national championship chase.
“Sometimes you must fight to the end, try to re‑enter the Sudamericana. Otherwise, we should battle for a title Cienciano has never won,” he asserted.
He reminded everyone of the club’s continental pedigree. “We already have a Copa and we’re the only Peruvian side with a Copa and a Recopa,” he reminded.
The coach said a single‑tournament format could make a national title realistic. “I think we could contest a championship if it’s a one‑leg format,” he added.
Ruggeri acknowledged a tough week before facing Sport Huancayo. “It was a hard week, but the players gave everything, fought till the end. Off‑field issues aren’t on them – that’s on us,” he reflected.
He made clear the ‘imperial’ side must move on and gear up for Sporting Cristal. “We accept it, prepare fully for Cristal because Cienciano is a great club that can win anywhere. We’ll go for the win,” he affirmed.