Miguel Seminario

vs Alianza Lima, Torneo Descentralizado, 1983

Peru’s biggest derby has been taking place for 90 years, producing more than 900 goals. One strike stands out above all others.

Miguel Seminario’s goal has been named the finest in the history of El Clasico Peruano, which pits Universitario against Alianza Lima. The two capital city rivals are the most successful clubs in Peru, with 49 league crowns between them across the 102 campaigns in the tournament’s history. Universitario supporters still boast about a clash at the Estadio Nacional in 1983, which produced a goal that no fan could ever forget.

The match stood at 1-1 with just two minutes remaining when Alianza were left mesmerised by a team move featuring several players, some slick passing and a spectacular finishing touch.

Searching for a winner, Universitario cleverly worked their way out from the back via a Cruyff turn from Luis Gardella, and Rodolfo Chavarry and German Leguia were both involved early on in the move before darting forward. Substitute Seminario picked the ball up inside his own half and dribbled goalward before the thrilling finale: Leguia chipped the ball to Chavarry, who flicked it into the path of the onrushing Seminario, which allowed the forward to hammer a volley into the top corner from 25 yards.

There was little chance for Alianza keeper Jose Gonzales Ganoza, uncle of Peru’s 2018 World Cup captain, Paolo Guerrero, and tragically killed in the Alianza Lima air crash of 1987.

“We didn’t work on that move beforehand – it was just fantasy and inspiration,” Seminario tells Fourfourtwo, thinking back to that goal scored 36 years ago. “We had very technical players and Rodolfo Chavarry, a very creative midfielder, gave me the ball quickly. It didn’t touch the floor. I will never forget that goal – I’m very proud of it.

“Universitario supporters who watched me when I was young always recognise me for that unforgettable day. When you have very talented players, you can create anything.”

In the end, neither club won the title that year: the league went to Sporting Cristal. But there was no doubt who’d scooped goal of the season. The people of Peru had never seen a goal quite like it.