- Deportivo Garcilaso are in decent form at home, taking consecutive wins in their last 2 fixtures.
- Universitario de Deportes are in red-hot form, winning 4 and drawing 1 of their last 5 Liga 1 fixtures, losing none.
- Universitario de Deportes are the league leaders, 35 points from 16 games, 8 more than 7th-placed Garcilaso.
Title-chasing sides to square off in Cusco
A clash of philosophies will take place in Cusco this Sunday when 7th-placed Deportivo Garcilaso host table-topping Universitario de Deportes in what could be an intriguing matchup with the potential to change the course of the Liga 1 – Apertura 2025 title race. Our Deportivo Garcilaso vs Universitario de Deportes prediction is that the match will be tightly contested, as both teams have shown strong performances leading into this fixture.
Garcilaso boss Guillermo Duró, who took charge in June 2024, has implemented a bold, attacking approach on his players and has created an adaptable side that enjoys playing high-tempo soccer, pressing opponents aggressively and playing forward with the ball at every opportunity. In Pablo Erustes, the hosts have a dangerous player to watch, the forward has 10 goals in just 13 league appearances, while Adrian Ugarriza will offer additional firepower, as he has scored 3 in his last 5 games.
In contrast, Jorge Fossati has been in charge of the visitors since May 2025 and has instilled ruthless defensive discipline on the team, as well as ensuring that they are ruthless on the counterattack. Their approach isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing, but there is an organisation and calculated approach to their play that has seen them go top of the league. This Deportivo Garcilaso vs Universitario de Deportes preview highlights the contrasting approaches of both teams, setting the stage for a fascinating battle.
Universitario to edge a tight encounter
Universitario de Deportes enter this clash in terrific form, registering 4 wins and 1 draw in their last 5 league matches, and their 5-0 hammering of ADT last time out should ensure that they will be full of confidence at the top of the table. The Deportivo Garcilaso vs Universitario de Deportes odds currently favor the visitors, given their strong performance throughout the season.
As a result of the odds being +245 for the home side and +110 for the away side, the value for this game lies in taking the league leader to come away with the win. However, the fact that Garcilaso have taken consecutive home wins and have firepower, we think that they could make the scoreline much closer than most expect, according to our Deportivo Garcilaso vs Universitario de Deportes betting tips.
The head-to-head record does not favour Garcilaso, as Universitario won the last league meeting 3-1 at home in the 2024 Clasura and they remain undefeated in their last 2 meetings. Additionally, Universitario have one of the best away records in the division with 4 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats in their 8 away league games to date.
A match of chess
Garcilaso’s attacking verve and Universitario’s defensive resilience will be the main narrative of this encounter, but each side’s ability to execute their chosen style will determine the outcome.
Universitario concedes just 0.88 goals per away game in Liga 1 – Apertura 2025, while Alex Valera, their main man up front, can be relied upon to score when it matters most. The Deportivo Garcilaso vs Universitario de Deportes prediction, taking into account the teams' recent defensive and attacking form, is that goals could be at a premium unless one side is able to break down the other's system.
He has 7 to his name in 16 appearances in this competition.
