Peru Copa Bicentenario

Peru Copa Bicentenario

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Wikipedia - Copa Bicentenario

The Copa Bicentenario was a football competition in Peru played by the football clubs of the Liga 1 and Liga 2. It was organized by the Peruvian Football Federation and was played as a domestic football cup competition between clubs of the first and second division, featuring 36 teams. The winners qualified for the Copa Sudamericana and Supercopa Peruana. The tournament was played in between the Liga 1's Apertura and Clausura, around June to August. It is named after the bicentennial of Peruvian Independence.

The Copa Bicentenario was founded in 2019 as a plan to make the Peruvian football league system more competitive. Multiple previous attempts were made to create domestic cups such as the Torneo del Inca, but none were fully implemented, only being used for a few seasons. Along with the Copa Bicentenario, the Supercopa Peruana was created, a supercup between Liga 1 and Copa Bicentenario champions.

Sporting Cristal were the defending champions. Sporting Cristal and Atlético Grau are the two record holders, sharing one title.

History

In Peru, there has never been a championship with the exception of the Copa de Campeones del Perú which was formed in 1919. Many attempts were made to create a championship for both Liga 1 and Liga 2 teams but all have been kept inactive. The Copa Bicentenario was the first championship formed, along with the Supercopa Peruana to give teams more competition. The tournament was named after the "Bicentennial" in honor of the bicentennial of Peruvian Independence in 1821.

Due to the 2019 Copa América, at the end of the 2019 Liga 1's Apertura, the tournament was played, with the participation of the 18 teams of the Liga 1, and 12 teams of the Liga 2. The winners qualified for the 2020 Copa Sudamericana. The tournament uses a Group Stage round-robin system, where the top two teams of each group advance to the knockout stage. Liga 1 champions, Sporting Cristal lost to Liga 2 team, Atlético Grau. Surprisingly, Atletico Grau won the tournament, defeating Sport Huancayo. They would later be promoted to the Liga 1.

In 2020, the Copa Bicentenario was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike the Group Stage round-robin format of the first edition, the tournament changed to a bracket system with two rounds. The first round was between all teams, in which the winners advance to the final round, another bracket starting off with the Round of 16. Defending champions of the 2020 Liga 1, Sporting Cristal won the tournament. On August 23, it was announced that the Copa Bicentenario was canceled in order for the Peru national football team to focus on their 2022 FIFA World Cup play-off with Australia, along with reforms made to Peruvian football by the FPF.

Due to the 2024 Copa América, at the end of the 2024 Liga 1's Apertura, the Copa Bicentenario will be played once again, with the participation of the 18 teams of the Liga 1, and 18 teams of the Liga 2. The winners will qualify for the 2025 Copa Sudamericana. However, the Copa Bicentenario was eventually cancelled and will no longer continue. The tournament was replaced by the Copa de la Liga Peruana in 2025 as Peru's national cup competition after not being played in 3 years.

**Peru Copa Bicentenario: A Celebration of Soccer and Heritage**

The Peru Copa Bicentenario is an exhilarating national soccer tournament that pays homage to the rich cultural heritage and sporting spirit of Peru, coinciding with the celebration of the country's bicentennial independence. This prestigious event brings together top clubs from across the nation, showcasing the best talent in Peruvian soccer while fostering a sense of unity and pride among fans.

Held annually, the tournament features a knockout format that captivates audiences with thrilling matches, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments on the pitch. Teams from various leagues compete for the coveted title, making it a platform for emerging players to shine and established stars to demonstrate their skills.

Beyond the excitement of the games, the Copa Bicentenario serves as a celebration of Peruvian culture, incorporating traditional music, dance, and culinary delights into the festivities. Fans gather in stadiums filled with vibrant colors and passionate chants, creating an electric atmosphere that embodies the heart and soul of Peruvian soccer.

As the tournament unfolds, it not only highlights the athletic prowess of the players but also reinforces the importance of community and national pride. The Peru Copa Bicentenario is more than just a soccer tournament; it is a tribute to the spirit of a nation, celebrating 200 years of independence through the beautiful game. Join us in this remarkable journey as we honor our past and look forward to a bright future in Peruvian soccer!