Sporting Cristal shifts focus to Copa Sudamericana after 2-1 loss to Melgar

Sporting Cristal were defeated 2-1 by FBC Melgar in the second round of the 2026 Torneo Clausura, ending their opening winning streak. Captain Yoshimar Yotún and coach Roberto Mosquera each faced tense moments with journalists after the match, with Yotún emphasizing the team's immediate priority on the upcoming Copa Sudamericana tie against RB Bragantino and Mosquera defending midfielder Irven Ávila’s performance.

The Peruvian side will travel to Brazil for the second‑leg playoff against RB Bragantino, while also preparing for a domestic league match against Juan Pablo II College the following week.