Eric Delgado: “Universitario Sporting are Cristal’s classic rivals because of what happened in 1991. We grew up with the chip to always beat them” | University vs. Crystal | League 1 I bet you | L1TA | Game-Total

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-What is U-Crystal that you remember the most?

In 2002, we won 4-3 at the Monument. We didn’t perform well and that was the first time I stepped on that field. They had a good team (NdR: U ends up the Apertura), with great players, we were a young team with some heavyweights like Sori Palacios and Flavio Maestri. That’s what I remember the most is the experience of that win, the joy and, of course, because we became national champions that year.

Thanks to the success of the “Ni loco ni santo” show you have with Paco Bazán, do you feel that there is more reference to Cristal because of the exposure you have received in social networks?

I feel like a reference because fans have made me feel that way for so long. It was not because of the exposure of the networks, and of course today I take the responsibility of protecting the club. But I think the fans know or feel that I’m a down-to-earth fan and will continue to hold the shield high.

– Does your leaving the club still hurt you?

I will always say that my withdrawal was completely unfair to me. It’s not some game. I still don’t understand it to this day, but I’m not going to beat myself up about it. At the end of the day, we know that it has been difficult for Cristal to find a goalkeeper who can last as long as I have, with respect to Renato Solís, who has established himself since I left until today.

-Did you get a chance to come back at some point?

not at all. I definitely wanted to, but they didn’t give me the chance. I would have even returned as a substitute because it was clear that I would win. I was optimistic until 2017 or 2018 and I always thought it was a good time to come back. But that didn’t happen.

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– Would you like to work at Crystal?

It depends on which part. But of course I would like to. In fact, it would be very difficult for me to work in another company. I identify with Crystal so much, so much.

Is the Memorial a difficult ground to play on because of pressure from local fans?

No, I’ve never seen it that way. U has a huge fan base, but feeling the pressure from there… no, no. I know people won’t come to play. Everyone handles stress differently. For example, I liked it. If you tell me that there are 80 thousand people in a stadium, I will definitely go outside to enjoy what is happening.

-Crystal’s classic rival ‘U’ or Alianza Lima?

The ‘U’ is for what happened in 1991 when Crystal’s bus was burnt in Lolo Fernandez. From there the rivalry between the two grows and it becomes very close. Earlier it wasn’t that strong, but in the 90s it picked up and carried it over to the next generation, we grew up with that chip that it was us, the ‘U’ that we always had as a competitor. Beat them.

Do you think they mean the same thing in “u”?

The ‘U’ sees Alianza as its classic competitor and I think it’s valid based on history. But I also feel like Crystal is a thorn in their side every time she hits them. As much as they’d like to deny it, the U’s playing against Crystal isn’t like facing any other club.

-Today, Crystal, the leader of Apertura with 33 points, visits the ‘U’ (32 points) in the monument. There are three dates left. Will this match decide the match?

No. The Apertura is still going on, not much difference in points. I’m sure whoever wins will take a big step, but the championship won’t be completely sacrosanct. Also, the fixture favors Crystal as the ‘U’s travel to Cusco on another date. It also means that this encounter is not a defining one.

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-The ‘U’ has an unbeaten streak of 23 games in domestic competition. Do you have the equipment to break Crystal’s undefeated record?

The ‘U’s have proven to have a solid squad, and there’s a reason they’re fighting in the Libertadores and Apertura. But now he has to win, and when he has that obligation, he usually leaves a lot of room for Crystal to take advantage of.

-Which team has more pressure: the ‘U’ because of the obligation to win or Crystal because of the lead away from home?

‘U’ because of its centenary year. I said from the beginning, the pressure is on to be champion in this Apertura, otherwise the Clausura will be very difficult.

How much could Yoshimura Yoten’s absence affect an important match like Sunday’s?

His absence is painful. It can hurt any team. We are talking about one of the best players in the championship and a team that has the most presence in Peru. He’s a guy with a different hierarchy. But the team already had to play without him in some matches of the tournament and know how to win. Crystal has the ‘U’ hitting arms in their stadium.

– Did you talk to Yoden after the injury?

Clarity. He is the friend who left me football. I feel sorry for what happened to him as he was seriously injured. I am sending him lots of good vibes, may he recover and play again.

-In these types of matches, is strategy prioritized over tactics?

I think discipline prevails in these types of games as the coaches leave nothing to chance. But I also know that at some point the hierarchy of players, the stronger leg will come to light. Sometimes you win through the details, by putting more than just tactics.

-Crystal has fought in tournaments in recent years, but she always falls in the finals, losing some major matches. Will this time be different?

Let’s hope it’s different. Today, Krystal is deservedly leading the way and has the weapons to harm the ‘U’ in the monument. It’s a team that plays very good football, and that’s attacking. But for the good of the club, I hope they know how to hold themselves in these last few days to win Apertura and dream of a national title. It’s our turn.

-Which crystal player can make the difference?

Santiago Gonzalez, without a doubt. After Martin Caderuccio left with health issues, Gonzalez knew how to take advantage of his speed. Grimaldo too, but Gonzalez is having a great moment and I don’t think he can balance any defender.

-And in the ‘U’?

Andy Polo. Today he is the most influential player in his team. If you cut the polo’s lap, the ‘U’ becomes complicated. That is the most important player. And then Edison Flores certainly follows suit.