# Universitario de Deportes tactical shifts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/universitario-de-deportes-tactical-shifts
> Updated: 2026-08-27T15:51:56.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Universitario de Deportes has experienced a resurgence in the Torneo Clausura following a tactical shift to a three-man defensive line. Defender Matías Di Benedetto credited the change, implemented by coach Héctor Cúper after a difficult match against Cienciano, for increasing the team’s solidity and confidence.

In response to criticisms that these adjustments were merely a continuation of former coach Jorge Fossati’s system, Cúper defended the necessity of adaptation when specific ideas fail to yield results. He emphasized that “nobody has the absolute truth” and noted that the team’s improved form and the goal-scoring contributions of players like Gianluca Lapadula and Álex Valera provide reasons for optimism as the club competes for the championship.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: Héctor Cúper defends tactical changes at Universitario

Universitario de Deportes coach Héctor Cúper defended his tactical adjustments, rejecting claims that his playing style is simply a continuation of Jorge Fossati’s previous system.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hctor-cper-defends-tactical-changes-at-universitario

### 2026-08-25: Universitario defender Matías Di Benedetto credits tactical shift for team resurgence

Universitario defender Matías Di Benedetto credits the team's recent success and improved solidity to returning to a three-man defensive line under coach Héctor Cúper.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitario-defender-matas-di-benedetto-credits-tactical-shift-for-team-resurgence

---
Cite as: Universitario de Deportes tactical shifts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/universitario-de-deportes-tactical-shifts