Overview of League 1 Apertura Tournament 2026
The eighth date of the Apertura Tournament in League 1 2026 kicked off today, March 20, with matches that have the potential to drastically reshape the standings. Teams are facing pivotal games that could influence both their championship ambitions and their prospects for survival in the league.
Current Standings
Alianza Lima and Los Chankas Lead
Alianza Lima continues to showcase its dominance by defeating John Paul II in Matute, earning them the top spot in the current standings. They share points with Los Chankas, who sit right behind them due to a better goal difference.
Los Chankas surprised many with their recent victory against Sporting Cristal in a thrilling match held at the Andahuaylas stadium, reiterating their competitive spirit in the league.
Rising to the Top
Cienciano has also made headlines after defeating FC Cajamarca 3-0, propelling them to third place in the standings with 16 points. This victory pushed down Universitario to fourth position, as they could only manage a goalless draw against Comerciantes Unidos.
UTC, holding the fifth position, has 13 points;
their upcoming match against Athletic Alliance will be crucial if they hope to remain in contention for the title.
Challenges Ahead
Melgar from Arequipa continues to struggle to find form. Despite expectations, their match against ADT ended in a 1-1 draw, with Nicolás Quagliata‘s stunning free kick salvaging a point. Currently, Melgar sits in seventh place, while ADT is down in twelfth.
Match Results from March 20-22
Friday, March 20
- ADT vs Melgar: 1-1 (Finished)
- Cienciano 3-0 FC Cajamarca (Finished)
Saturday, March 21
- CD Moquegua 1-2 Cusco FC (Finished)
- Comerciantes Unidos 0-0 Universitario (Finalized)
- Los Chankas 3-2 Sporting Cristal (Finished)
- Alianza Lima 2-0 Juan Pablo II (Finalized)
Upcoming Matches on March 22
- UTC vs Alianza Atlético (1:00 p.m. / Héroes de San Ramón Stadium)
- Atlético Grau vs Deportivo Garcilaso (3:30 p.m. / Campeones del 36 Stadium)
- Sport Boys vs Sport Huancayo (6:00 p.m. / Miguel Grau Stadium)
Watching League 1 in 2026
Fans can follow the League 1 2026 season through L1 MAX, available on major subscription television platforms like Movistar TV, DirecTV, and Claro TV. For digital access, matches are also available via League 1 Play, a streaming service that requires a subscription starting at S/ 22.99 monthly.
For those without access to television, Infobae Peru will provide live coverage of crucial matches, along with minute-by-minute updates, interviews, and further insights into the tournament’s progression.
As the competition intensifies, teams must remain vigilant as they seek their desired positions in this exciting season of League 1 2026.