Honestly, if you missed the last time these two stepped onto the pitch together, you missed one of the most lopsided "balanced" games in recent Peruvian football. It’s wild. Most people see the name Universitario and automatically assume a three-point haul is coming. They’re the giants. The "Merengues." But when they travel to Andahuaylas to face Los Chankas CYC, the script usually hits a massive shredder.
Last November, specifically on November 22, 2025, we saw exactly why the altitude of the Apurímac region is a nightmare for the Lima squads. Universitario walked in as favorites—they almost always are—and walked out with a 3-1 bruising that left their title hopes in a tailspin.
What happened in the last Universitario vs Los Chankas CYC clash?
Football is a game of moments, but this match was a game of oxygen. Or the lack of it. Los Chankas looked like they were playing in their backyard while Universitario’s backline looked like they were running through waist-deep mud.
By the 14th minute, José Manzaneda found the back of the net. The stadium erupted. You could feel the momentum shift immediately. It wasn't just a lucky break; it was a tactical masterclass by Walter Paolella. He knew the Lima giants would try to keep possession (which they did, finishing with about 52%), but he also knew they couldn't sustain high-intensity sprints at nearly 3,000 meters above sea level.
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Then came the 38th minute. Franco Torres doubled the lead. 2-0 before halftime is a death sentence in Andahuaylas. Even when José Rivera managed to claw one back via a penalty in the 60th minute, it felt like a consolation prize. Oshiro Takeuchi had already pushed it to 3-0 just after the break.
Key Stats from the November 22 Encounter
The numbers tell a story of efficiency versus volume. Universitario had more of the ball, but Los Chankas had the intent.
- Final Score: Los Chankas 3-1 Universitario
- Total Shots: Los Chankas 14, Universitario 7
- Shots on Target: Los Chankas 7, Universitario 3
- Big Chances Created: Los Chankas 3, Universitario 1
- Red Cards: Williams Riveros (Universitario) in the 42nd minute.
That red card on Riveros? Huge. A "professional foul" as the last man. It basically ended the game as a contest before the second half even started. Playing down a man in the mountains is basically an endurance test that no one passes.
Why this matchup is a tactical nightmare for Universitario
The "U" usually relies on a rigid structure. Under Javier Rabanal—who has been navigating the 2026 season with a mix of veteran grit and young legs—the team prefers a controlled build-up. But Los Chankas? They play chaotic, vertical football. They aren't afraid to lose the ball because they know you'll be too tired to punish them on the counter.
The 2026 Rosters and What’s Changed
As we look at the current 2026 landscape, the squads have seen some shifts. Universitario is leaning heavily on Alex Valera and Edison Flores up front. They brought in Sekou Gassama to add some physical presence, but the real engine is still Jairo Concha in the middle.
On the flip side, Los Chankas have kept that core that makes them so difficult to beat at home. Manzaneda and Torres are still the creative sparks. They aren't the highest-valued team in the league—Transfermarkt puts their squad value around €4.73m compared to Universitario's much deeper pockets—but money doesn't buy you lungs.
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Head-to-Head Reality Check
If you look at the historical record, it's surprisingly tight.
- Nov 2025: Los Chankas 3-1 Universitario (The shocker).
- July 2025: Universitario 0-0 Los Chankas (A defensive masterclass by the visitors).
- Nov 2024: Los Chankas 0-0 Universitario (Another stalemate in the height).
- May 2024: Universitario 4-0 Los Chankas (The last time the "U" truly dominated).
Notice a pattern? When the game is in Lima, Universitario can run riot. The moment they head to Estadio Los Chankas, the goals dry up—or go to the home team.
The psychological edge of Los Chankas CYC
There's something kinda special about how Los Chankas carry themselves. They are the "warriors" of the league. In Andahuaylas, they don't just play football; they defend their territory. For a club like Universitario, which carries the weight of millions of fans, every trip to the provinces is a potential banana peel.
Most analysts get this wrong. They look at the "Big Three" in Peru (U, Alianza, Cristal) and assume the rest of the league is just filler. But the 2025 season proved that the gap is closing. Los Chankas finished that particular round with more shots on goal and more "big chances" than the 27-time champions. That's not a fluke.
What to expect in the 2026 campaign
We’re heading into a new cycle. Universitario is obsessed with the "Bicentenario" era and maintaining their status as the kings of Peru. However, if they don't figure out a way to manage the pace in games against Los Chankas, they’re going to keep dropping points in the Apertura and Clausura.
Actionable Betting and Fan Insights
If you're following this matchup for the upcoming fixtures in 2026, keep these specific points in mind:
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- The "First 15" Rule: Los Chankas tend to press incredibly hard in the first fifteen minutes at home. If the "U" survives that without conceding, the odds of a draw skyrocket.
- Card Markets: These games are physical. Between the frustration of the altitude and the tactical fouls, look for "Over 4.5 Yellows" as a standard baseline.
- Player to Watch: Keep an eye on José Rivera. Even when Universitario struggles, he’s often the only one finding space in the box. He’s basically their "Tunche" for a reason.
The rivalry is still young, but it's becoming one of the most interesting "David vs. Goliath" stories in the Liga 1. Universitario has the history, but Los Chankas have the geography. And in Peruvian football, geography usually wins.
Watch the roster announcements for the next game carefully. If Rabanal rests his veteran defenders like Aldo Corzo or Williams Riveros, it's a signal they're playing for a draw. If they go full strength, expect a bloody, high-intensity battle that likely ends with a very tired Lima squad.
Next Step: Review the latest injury reports for Alex Valera and Jairo Concha, as their availability completely changes Universitario's ability to hold the ball under pressure in high-altitude environments.