Glory at 11,000ft: Cusco’s Cienciano aim to bring Peru continental success once again
Cusco is known for tourism. But the city’s biggest football team is chasing a repeat of a South American title that caused shockwaves more than 20 years ago
TL;DR
- Cienciano, Cusco's major football team, is seeking to win the Copa Sudamericana for the second time, mirroring their 2003 victory.
- The club has deep historical roots in Cusco, dating back to the early 20th century and founded by students of a school introduced to football by an Englishman.
- The 2003 triumph is remembered as a unifying moment for Peru during a period of political turmoil and corruption.
- Cienciano's 2003 victory was an underdog story, achieved with a modest budget against established South American powerhouses like Boca Juniors and River Plate.
- Despite facing financial difficulties and relegation between 2010 and 2019, Cienciano remains a popular team and is currently competing in the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals.
- Fans express immense passion and hope for a repeat of past glories, emphasizing the team's significance to the city's identity beyond just football.