FC Cajamarca 2-2 Juan Pablo II: Entertaining Draw in Peruvian Liga 1

The Peruvian Liga 1 produced a thrilling encounter on 18 July 2026 as FC Cajamarca and Juan Pablo II played out a 2-2 draw. The match featured two goals for each side, with the lead changing hands before a late equaliser ensured a share of the spoils.

Match Overview

Juan Pablo II started the stronger and took the lead in the 14th minute through a powerful strike from striker Ángel Quispe after a defensive error. FC Cajamarca grew into the game and equalised just before the half-hour mark when winger Kevin Sandoval rifled in a shot from the edge of the box. The home side then took the lead early in the second half when midfielder Jorge Paredes headed in from a corner in the 51st minute.

However, Juan Pablo II showed resilience and fought back. They were rewarded in the 73rd minute when substitute Renato Vílchez latched onto a through ball and slotted home with a composed finish. The final stages saw both teams go close to a winner, but the defences held firm to secure a well-deserved point for each.

Key Moments

• 14' – Quispe opens the scoring for Juan Pablo II (0-1).
• 29' – Sandoval equalises for FC Cajamarca (1-1).
• 51' – Paredes heads Cajamarca into the lead (2-1).
• 73' – Vílchez strikes late equaliser (2-2).

Tactical Story

FC Cajamarca lined up in a 4-2-3-1, looking to control possession and build through the midfield, while Juan Pablo II used a direct 4-4-2 with quick transitions. The visitors' early goal came from a long ball that caught the Cajamarca defence napping. After falling behind, Cajamarca adjusted their pressing and began to dominate the midfield. Their set-piece goal was a clear result of that improved pressure. Juan Pablo II's equaliser came from a well-executed counter-attack, showing their ability to hurt teams on the break.

Standout Players

For FC Cajamarca, Kevin Sandoval was a constant threat on the wing and took his goal impressively. Midfielder Jorge Paredes contributed with a crucial header. For Juan Pablo II, Ángel Quispe and substitute Renato Vílchez were the key men, with Vílchez's late goal earning his team a valuable point. The goalkeepers had little chance on the goals but made routine saves to keep the score from escalating.

Season Impact

The draw leaves FC Cajamarca in the middle of the Liga 1 table, just outside the top six. Juan Pablo II remain in the relegation mix but will be pleased to have taken a point away from home. Both teams have work to do in the second half of the season, but this entertaining draw shows their potential to trouble better sides.