Universitario vs Millonarios

A goalless first half saw both sides feeling each other out in a pre-season contest that lacked sharpness in the final third. Universitario made five changes at the break — introducing Jesús Castillo, Héctor Fértoli, José Rivera, Guivin and Vargas — and the switch paid dividends within six minutes of the restart.

51' — Rivera 1-0. Castillo's threaded through ball split the Millonarios defence. Rivera controlled with his chest and finished calmly past the onrushing goalkeeper to open the scoring.

Universitario nearly doubled the lead moments later. Guivin met a Valera cross with a volley that crashed off the post (57'). At the other end, Millonarios' Ureña forced a sharp save from Vargas with a fierce strike (58').

79' — Rivera 2-0. The decisive blow came from a familiar source. Fértoli's driven cross from the right found Rivera unmarked near the penalty spot, and the forward side-footed home his second of the night.

Deep into stoppage time, the match boiled over. Anderson Santamaría (Universitario) and Millonarios' Rodrigo Contreras confronted each other, and both received straight red cards (90+1').

Héctor Cúper's five half-time substitutions changed the game's complexion entirely. The injection of Castillo's passing range and Fértoli's wide threat created the service Rivera needed — neither goal came from a starter. Millonarios, who kept the same XI on the pitch after the break, could not adjust to the increased tempo.

• José Rivera (Universitario) — Two goals from the bench, both taken with composure. His movement between the centre-backs caused problems Millonarios never solved.
• Jesús Castillo (Universitario) — His assist for the opener was the pass of the match; his introduction at half-time shifted the midfield dynamic.
• Gianluca Lapadula (Universitario) — The Peru international made his competitive debut for the club, entering in the 67th minute for Alex Valera to a warm ovation from the Monumental crowd. Did not score but showed sharp link-up play.

The 0-0 half-time scoreline reflected a cautious, fitness-oriented opening 45 minutes typical of pre-season. Universitario's five substitutions at the break — and the immediate impact of those changes — tell the story of a manager who used the friendly to test combinations ahead of the Clausura. Millonarios' failure to rotate until late may have contributed to their defensive lapses in the second half.

Universitario now turn their attention to the Liga 1 Clausura opener away to ADT in Tarma on 18 July. The win, and Lapadula's debut, will boost confidence as they chase a second consecutive domestic title under Cúper. Millonarios, under new manager Fabián Bustos (appointed February 2026), continue their pre-season build-up toward the Colombian Primera A campaign.

A pre-season friendly decided by one player's quality from the bench. Rivera's double demonstrated the depth Cúper has at his disposal, while the late red cards added needle to an otherwise orderly workout. Lapadula's 23-minute cameo offered a glimpse of what Universitario's attack may look like in the Clausura.

Universitario 2-0 Millonarios. Goals: J. Rivera 51', 79'. Red cards: Santamaría 90+1', Contreras 90+1'. Estadio Monumental, Lima. Attendance: not published.