UTC Cajamarca 1-2 FC Cajamarca
Peruvian Liga 1 – 9 May 2026

Derby del Cajamarca: FC Cajamarca snatch late victory in thrilling local clash

The city of Cajamarca witnessed a pulsating local derby as FC Cajamarca edged out their city rivals UTC Cajamarca 2-1 in a tense Liga 1 encounter. Played at the Estadio Héroes de San Ramón, the match delivered drama, quality, and a vital three points for the visitors, who climbed the standings with a resilient second-half display.

Match overview

Both sides entered the fixture in contrasting form. UTC Cajamarca, buoyed by home support, aimed to strengthen their mid-table position, while FC Cajamarca looked to build momentum after a mixed start to the season. The first half was tightly contested, with neither side willing to give an inch. UTC drew first blood midway through the opening period, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to take a deserved lead. However, FC Cajamarca responded almost immediately before the break, equalizing through a well-worked set piece.

Key moments

• 25' – UTC take the lead: A quick counter-attack saw UTC's attacking midfielder slot home from close range after a pinpoint cross from the right wing.
• 43' – FC Cajamarca equalize: A corner kick was met by a towering header from the visitors' center-back, leaving the UTC goalkeeper with no chance.
• 78' – Winning goal: FC Cajamarca's striker showed composure to control a through ball and fire past the onrushing keeper, securing a dramatic away win.

Tactical battle

UTC Cajamarca started with a high press, attempting to disrupt FC Cajamarca's build-up play. The home side's midfield trio controlled possession early on, but lacked the final pass to create clear-cut chances. FC Cajamarca, meanwhile, sat deeper and relied on quick transitions. The tactical switch in the second half saw FC push higher up the pitch, which paid off as they created overloads on the flanks. UTC failed to adapt, and their defensive disorganization proved costly in the final 15 minutes.

Standout performers

FC Cajamarca's goalscorer and the creative midfielder duo were instrumental. The visitors' goalkeeper also produced several crucial saves, particularly a one-on-one stop in the 65th minute that kept the score level. For UTC, their central defensive partnership struggled to cope with the pace of FC's counter-attacks.

Standings impact

With this victory, FC Cajamarca moved into the top half of the Liga 1 table, while UTC remained stuck in mid-table, now four points adrift of the playoff spots. The result also extended FC's unbeaten run in the derby to three matches, further strengthening their local bragging rights.

The Cajamarca derby once again showcased the passion and intensity of Peruvian football. Both teams will look to build on this performance as the season progresses into its critical phase.