S: Cienciano - Santos 4:2 (3:0)

On arriving in Cusco, I already noticed various street posters for the game. During the drive from the airport to the hostel, I asked our taxi driver about the game, and he explained that an important game was taking place this weekend.

After a few minutes of internet research, I found out that the last championship matches of the Second Peruvian League were scheduled for this Sunday, November 10, 2019. Cienciano, the favorite team of the Cusceños, was at the top of the table with 41 points after 21 games, followed by four teams with 40 points, including FC Santos from Nazca.

The Estadio Inca Garcilaso de la Vega stadium has a capacity of 42,000 seats. The match was sold out early. We bought two second-hand tickets for the West Stand for 100 Soles each, around CHF 33 - the original price would have been 50 Soles.

An hour and a half before kick-off, we lined up for the main stand 'Occidente'. But then we were quickly informed that the main stand was already full, and we should go to the side stand instead. Too bad: the tickets would have originally been half as expensive there. Janu: Nevertheless, the experience was worth it. A packed stadium, an amazing atmosphere, and a happy ending for Cusco. After 90 minutes, promotion was secured and there was no stopping - on the pitch or in the stands.

A few keywords about the stadium experience:

- There is no beer, only Inca-Cola, Coca-Cola, and corn drink.

- I had to leave my belt outside and never found it again.

- Nazca is at sea level. After 60/70 minutes, the away team was just standing around, probably because the high altitude took their breath away (the stadium is at around 3300 meters above sea level).

- From babies to grandmothers, all generations are present in the stadium.

- Bought a Cienciano shirt for CHF 7, check!

- The stadium capacity is 42,000, but our stand was already 'full' one and a half hours before the end, even though there were still hundreds of people outside with valid tickets waiting to enter. I believe there were well over 42,000 people in the stadium...

- After the end of the game, it was said: The celebration continues in the city. This was also the case until we returned to the main square around 7:30 pm and noticed that security guards had cleared the square and all festivities were already over. No more free night...

About the game:

Thanks to a strong first half, Cienciano secured the long-awaited promotion to the first league with a victory over direct rivals from Nazca. Naranjo Guerrini celebrated as the double goal scorer and match winner in front of over 42,000 spectators.

Detailed summary here: