Universitario de Deportes hit by player dispute and coach Cuper endorsement

Alianza Lima lost 2‑0 to Colombia's Deportivo Cali in a friendly at Lima's Estadio Alejandro Villanueva, while Universitario de Deportes defeated fellow Colombian side Millonarios 2‑0 at the Monumental.

Midfielder Rodrigo Ureña, who left Universitario at the end of 2025, said the club's administration threatened him to leave, calling him on 24 December and demanding his departure despite personal circumstances. He emphasized that the split was not about money but about lack of respect and poor treatment.

Former Universitario star José Luis “Puma” Carranza praised the Argentine coach Héctor Cuper, noting his Champions League experience and calling him a “winner”. Cuper, hired in May 2026 on a contract through December 2027, has introduced a four‑defence system and aims to win the Torneo Clausura.