A feat that seemed unattainable for Peruvian football, FBC had Melgar as its protagonist. Due to her visit to the strong Inter de Porto Alegre at the Beira Rio Stadium, Domino achieved historic qualification for the semi-finals of the Copa Sudamericana thanks to her worthy presentation during the 90 minutes of regular time.
Although the undisputed figure of the game was goalkeeper Carlos Cáceda, the other players also put in acceptable performances, including his five foreigners, all regulars in Brazil.
Interestingly, all foreign elements in Pablo Lavallén’s squad are Argentines. To the well-known name of Bernardo Cuesta are added those of Bordacahar, Orzán, Pérez Guedes and Galeano. Apart from the last two, who only came to Arequipa in 2022, the others have been with the club for quite some time and have become important figures.
Bernhard Kuesta
The red and black captain is probably Melgar’s greatest reference today, in addition to his distinction as a top marksman in the pro era. Nine seasons spread over three stages, with a national title and 150 goals to his credit, make him a true historic figure for the Mistiano team.
‘Bernie’ is Melgar’s current goalscorer at the 2022 South American Cup. Photo: GLR/Luis Jiménez
Christian Bordacahar
The ‘Chapu’ came out of his country’s promotion in 2021, where he built almost his entire career, as an attacking variation. Although he has modest numbers (five goals in 40 League 1 games, five goals in 20 South America games and five assists in total), his work as a right winger is more tactical to support centre-forwards.
The ‘Chapu’ had played his entire career in Argentina before arriving in Arequipa. Photo: FBC Melgar
Horacio Orzan
The veteran midfielder also arrived in early 2021 and it wasn’t long before he earned a starting spot. Between the local league and the international tournament, he has played 54 games so far without goals or assists but with great performances like that against Inter on Thursday. Years before he came to Melgar he was an Argentine champion with Newell’s Old Boys.
Orzán had previously played at a red-black club: Newell’s Old Boys. Photo: FBC Melgar
Leonel Galeano
The Argentine-Mexican defender was one of the signings for this season, in which he has featured in 23 games with one goal and two assists between Liga 1 and Sudamericana, a tournament he previously won with Independiente de Avellaneda in 2010. At international level, he played one season for Rayo Vallecano in Spain.
Galeano had a brief stint in LaLiga Santander. Photo: GLR
Martin Perez Guedes
Three goals and two assists in 34 games this 2022 is the tally of the midfielder, who earned Melgar’s trust despite losing the category on the pitch with San Martín in 2021. In his country, he won the transition tournament with Racing Club in 2014.
Pérez Guedes has been in Peruvian football for two years. Photo: FBC Melgar