FBC Melgar started their Peruvian Liga 1 season in strong fashion with a 2-0 home victory over Cienciano on February 1, 2026. The late fixture at 07:30 saw Melgar impose their style and secure a comfortable win, sending a message to their rivals. Melgar likely took control of the midfield early and translated that dominance into goals, scoring once in each half to put the game to bed. Cienciano found it difficult to cope with Melgar's intensity and struggled to create significant chances against a disciplined defensive unit. The three points were crucial for Melgar's ambitions, giving them immediate momentum in what is always a competitive title race. For Cienciano, it was a disappointing start on the road, highlighting areas that need improvement if they are to challenge for a top-half finish. The lineups featured Melgar's potent attack proving too much for Cienciano to handle.