Sporting Cristal 0-0 vs Bragantino in Copa Sudamericana

Scoreless draw at the National Stadium

Sporting Cristal and RB Bragantino drew 0-0 on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the National Stadium in Lima, in the first leg of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana playoffs. The result leaves the tie open ahead of the return leg, to be played next Wednesday, July 29, at 19:30 Peru time in Brazil.

Bittersweet debut for Mosquera

The match marked Roberto Mosquera’s debut as head coach of Sporting Cristal in international competition. The blue team dominated possession for much of the game but failed to convert control into clear scoring opportunities against Brazilian goalkeeper Cleiton, who emerged as the standout player of the match.

Barcos and Távara come close

Hernán Barcos, the only central striker in the blue squad, had the clearest chance for Cristal but failed to finish decisively. Shortly after, midfielder Martín Távara tried a long-range shot that Cleiton saved easily, closing down space effectively in every intervention.

Bragantino player sent off near the end

Near the end of the match, RB Bragantino defender Fernando was sent off, leaving his team with ten men in the final minutes. However, Sporting Cristal could not capitalize on the numerical advantage to take the lead before the final whistle.

What’s next

With the 0-0 result in Lima, both teams enter the return leg in Brazil with equal chances. The winner of the tie will advance to the round of 16 of the 2026 Copa Sudamericana, one of the continent’s most competitive tournaments. For Sporting Cristal, progressing would be a major boost at the start of the Mosquera era, while RB Bragantino will aim to leverage home advantage to seal qualification.

Sources: Infobae Perú.