Cienciano vs Ayacucho FC Prediction & Match Preview – 23 November

Cienciano vs Ayacucho FC Prediction & Match Preview for 23 November. In the Peruvian Primera División, Cienciano will take on Ayacucho FC on Sunday, 23 November. This encounter promises to be a compelling clash as both teams vie for crucial points in the league. While the venue details remain unspecified, the significance of this match is clear, with both sides eager to improve their standings.

Cienciano, renowned for their strong home performances, will look to capitalise on their familiarity with local conditions. Meanwhile, Ayacucho FC, aiming to upset the hosts, will need to produce their best form to challenge Cienciano effectively. As the season progresses, every point becomes vital, making this matchup a significant event in the league calendar.

Cienciano vs Ayacucho FC Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Cienciano to Win	1.38

Given the significant gap in league positions and recent performances, it is clear that Cienciano are the favourites. With Ayacucho FC struggling both defensively and away from home, our recommended tip is to back Cienciano to win at home. Their advantage at Cusco’s altitude and solid form make this a compelling bet.

• Cienciano have a strong home record with seven wins in the Clausura phase, highlighting their dominance at home.
• Ayacucho FC’s poor defensive record and -9 goal difference indicate they are likely to struggle against Cienciano’s attack.
• Cienciano have won three of the last five head-to-head meetings, showing a consistent upper hand over Ayacucho FC.

Betting Odds

Cienciano are clear favourites in this clash against Ayacucho FC, with betting odds reflecting their strong home advantage. The odds for a home win stand at 1.38, indicating confidence in Cienciano’s ability to secure all three points.

Betting Tip	Odds
Cienciano to win	1.38
Draw	4.53
Ayacucho FC to win	6.68

Ayacucho FC, on the other hand, are considered outsiders with odds of 6.68, though their potential for an upset should not be completely dismissed. The draw is priced at 4.53, offering a tempting option for those anticipating a closer contest.

Cienciano: Analysis & Recent Performance

Cienciano have shown mixed form in recent outings, currently sitting 7th in the Primera División. Over their last five matches, they have secured three wins and suffered two defeats, giving them a win ratio of 60%. Notably, their recent 1-2 loss against Sporting Cristal exposed some defensive vulnerabilities.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sporting Cristal	Cienciano	2 – 1 (Loss)	Primera Division Clausura	7 Nov 2025
Cienciano	ADC Juan Pablo II	2 – 1 (Win)	Primera Division Clausura	2 Nov 2025
Alianza Atlético	Cienciano	0 – 1 (Win)	Primera Division Clausura	25 Oct 2025
Cienciano	Cusco FC	1 – 2 (Loss)	Primera Division Clausura	18 Oct 2025
CD UT Cajamarca	Cienciano	0 – 2 (Win)	Primera Division Clausura	13 Oct 2025

Recent Form:
Offensively, Cienciano have averaged 1.40 goals per game in their last five matches, with Carlos Garcés leading the scoring charts, netting four times this season. They have managed to score in all five recent encounters, although their defence has been less consistent, conceding an average of 1.00 goals per game and failing to keep a clean sheet in three of these fixtures.

Home vs Away Performance:

• LWWLW

At home, Cienciano have been relatively stronger, winning 60% of their last five home games. Their goal-scoring prowess is slightly more pronounced at home, where they have scored in each of their last five home fixtures, maintaining a solid attack. However, defensive lapses have been evident, leading to goals conceded in three out of five home games, indicating room for improvement in keeping clean sheets.

Cienciano: Suspensions & Injuries

Cienciano face a significant challenge with the absence of Juan Romagnoli due to a ligament injury. This is a major blow, as Romagnoli has been integral to their midfield dynamism and creativity. His unknown return date adds uncertainty to the team’s planning, necessitating tactical adjustments from coach Carlos Desio. The absence is likely to impact Cienciano’s ability to control the midfield and create scoring opportunities, potentially forcing Desio to adopt a more defensive setup or rely on less experienced players to fill the void.

In Romagnoli’s absence, Cristian Neira and Santiago Arias could see increased responsibilities, with Agustín González also likely to step up. While they bring energy and tenacity, the lack of Romagnoli’s creative vision and experience could be a limiting factor against Ayacucho FC. The midfield trio will need to work cohesively to maintain possession and support the forward line of Carlos Garcés and Cristian Souza.

Cienciano’s tactical approach may shift towards a more conservative style without Romagnoli, focusing on solidifying their defensive structure with Leonel Galeano and Jimmy Valoyes marshalling the backline. This adjustment could affect their attacking fluidity, potentially leading to a more cautious game plan aimed at minimising risks.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Juan Romagnoli	Ligament injury	Unknown

Cienciano: Key Players

Cienciano’s attacking threat is led by their top scorer, Carlos Garcés, who has netted four goals this season. Garcés operates as a forward and his ability to find space and convert chances will be pivotal against Ayacucho FC. His partnership with Cristian Souza in attack adds dynamism and unpredictability, making them a formidable duo to watch.

In midfield, the playmaking duties fall to Cristian Neira and Agustín González, who are expected to control the tempo and distribute the ball effectively. Neira’s vision and passing range, combined with González’s tenacity, provide a solid midfield base that can both shield the defence and support the attack. Defensively, the trio of Jimmy Valoyes, Leonel Galeano, and Maximiliano Amondarain are tasked with maintaining a robust backline, crucial for thwarting Ayacucho FC’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Cienciano

• Goalkeeper: Juan Cruz Bolado
• Defenders: Jimmy Valoyes, Leonel Galeano, Maximiliano Amondarain
• Midfielders: Santiago Arias, Agustín González, Cristian Neira, Claudio Torrejón, Beto da Silva
• Forwards: Cristian Souza, Carlos Garcés

The tactical impact of these key players is significant; Garcés’ finishing abilities, combined with the midfield’s creativity and the defence’s solidity, form the backbone of Cienciano’s strategy. These strengths make them a challenging opponent, but it is their cohesion and ability to execute under pressure that will ultimately determine their success in this fixture.

Cienciano: Tactics & Formation

Cienciano Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Carlos Garcés
• Midfield Engine: Cristian Neira and Claudio Torrejón
• Defensive Record: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong defensive organisation and effective wing play.

Cienciano typically line up in a 4-4-2 formation, offering a balanced approach between attack and defence. The midfield, driven by Cristian Neira and Claudio Torrejón, is central to their strategy, providing both defensive cover and creative outlets. Alejandro Hohberg and Santiago Arias provide width and pace, crucial for stretching opposition defences.

Defensively, Cienciano’s backline, featuring Leonel Galeano and Maximiliano Amondarain, has been solid, contributing to their two clean sheets in the last five outings. Juan Cruz Bolado in goal provides a reassuring presence and has been instrumental in organising the defence effectively.

Offensively, the team relies heavily on Carlos Garcés, their top scorer with four goals, supported by Cristian Souza. Their tactical approach often involves exploiting the flanks and delivering crosses into the box, a method that has proven fruitful in recent matches.

Ayacucho FC: Analysis & Recent Performance

Ayacucho FC’s recent form in the Primera División has been inconsistent, reflected in their current standing at 16th with 14 points. In their last five matches, Ayacucho FC have managed a solitary victory against Deportivo Garcilaso, winning 4-2, while suffering three defeats and one draw. This form is mirrored in their away performances, where they have lost four of their last five away matches, highlighting a particular vulnerability on the road.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Los Chankas	Ayacucho FC	1 – 0 (Loss)	Primera Division Clausura	1 Nov 2025
Ayacucho FC	Deportivo Garcilaso	4 – 2 (Win)	Primera Division Clausura	25 Oct 2025
Universitario de Deportes	Ayacucho FC	2 – 1 (Loss)	Primera Division Clausura	21 Oct 2025
Ayacucho FC	Asociación Deportiva Tarma	2 – 2 (Draw)	Primera Division Clausura	12 Oct 2025
Sporting Cristal	Ayacucho FC	3 – 0 (Loss)	Primera Division Clausura	29 Sep 2025

Recent Form:

• LWLDL

Over the last five games, Ayacucho FC have averaged 1.40 goals scored per match but have conceded 2.00 goals on average. The team has struggled defensively, conceding in all of these matches and failing to keep a clean sheet. Their attacking efforts have been sporadic, with three games where both teams scored. Maximiliano Pérez remains a crucial attacking asset, being the team’s top scorer with three goals this season. However, the team’s defensive frailties, evidenced by a continuous four-game goal-conceding streak in away fixtures, undermine their overall performance.

Ayacucho FC: Suspensions & Injuries

Ayacucho FC head into the clash against Cienciano with a full squad, as there are no reported injuries or suspensions affecting their lineup. This availability allows coach Sergio Castellanos to deploy his preferred tactical setup without the need for adjustments due to player absences.

Having all key players fit provides Ayacucho FC with a significant advantage in terms of squad depth and flexibility. The absence of injuries allows Castellanos to maintain consistency in the team’s formation and playing style, which could be crucial in executing their game plan effectively against Cienciano.

The continuity in Ayacucho FC’s lineup means that players like Juan Valencia in goal, and the defensive quartet of Brackson León, Jean Franco Falconi, Manuel Ganoza, and Dylan Caro, can continue to develop their chemistry and understanding on the pitch. This stability at the back could prove pivotal in keeping Cienciano’s attacking threats at bay.

In midfield, the presence of Freddy Yovera, Derlis Orue, Diego Ramírez, Adrián de la Cruz, and Hideyoshi Arakaki ensures that Ayacucho FC can control the tempo of the match and support their lone forward, Maximiliano Pérez, effectively. With no disruptions in their ranks, Ayacucho FC are well-positioned to perform at their best and potentially influence betting markets positively.

Ayacucho FC: Key Players

Ayacucho FC will rely heavily on their top scorer, Maximiliano Pérez, who has netted three goals this season, to spearhead their attacking efforts. His role as a forward is crucial, as his ability to find the back of the net could be decisive against Cienciano. Pérez’s skills in positioning and finishing make him a constant threat in the opposition’s penalty area. Supporting him in attack will be Hideyoshi Arakaki and Franco Caballero, whose pace and creativity are vital in breaking down defences.

The midfield trio of Diego Ramírez, Adrián de la Cruz, and Jean Pier Vílchez will play a pivotal role in controlling the game’s tempo and providing the necessary link between defence and attack. Diego Ramírez, in particular, is known for his vision and passing accuracy, which can unlock defences and create goal-scoring opportunities. In defence, Jean Franco Falconi and Jonathan Bilbao are tasked with maintaining solidity at the back, ensuring that Ayacucho FC remain compact and difficult to break down.

Expected lineup for Ayacucho FC:

• Goalkeeper: Juan Valencia
• Defenders: Jean Franco Falconi, Jonathan Bilbao, Brackson León, Dylan Caro
• Midfielders: Diego Ramírez, Adrián de la Cruz, Jean Pier Vílchez
• Forwards: Hideyoshi Arakaki, Franco Caballero, Juan Lucumí

Ayacucho FC: Tactics & Formation

Ayacucho FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-5-1
• Key Forward: Maximiliano Pérez
• Midfield Pivot: Freddy Yovera and Derlis Orue
• Defensive Challenge: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Reliance on midfield creativity and counter-attacking.

Ayacucho FC often deploy a 4-5-1 formation, aiming to pack the midfield and control the pace of the game. This setup allows them to leverage the creativity of Freddy Yovera and Derlis Orue, who are pivotal in transitioning the ball from defence to attack.

Defensively, Ayacucho FC have struggled, failing to secure any clean sheets in their last five matches. The back line, consisting of players like Brackson León and Jean Franco Falconi, has been under significant pressure, often exposed during quick counterattacks by opponents.

Offensively, Maximiliano Pérez leads the line as the sole striker, with support from midfielders like Adrián de la Cruz and Hideyoshi Arakaki. Ayacucho FC’s strategy frequently involves quick breaks, utilising Pérez’s goal-scoring instincts, yet their recent form shows a lack of consistency in front of goal.

Cienciano vs Ayacucho FC: Head-to-Head Record

Cienciano and Ayacucho FC have faced off 24 times, with an even head-to-head record of eight wins each and eight draws. Their most recent encounter saw Ayacucho FC claim a narrow 1-0 victory in the Liga 1 Apertura earlier this year, demonstrating how closely matched these teams are historically.

Within the context of the Primera División, both teams have shown they are capable of winning on any given day, making this matchup particularly intriguing for bettors. Cienciano’s home advantage could play a crucial role, given their past performances.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Ayacucho FC	Cienciano	1 – 0	Liga 1 Opening Tournament	2025-07-13
Ayacucho FC	Cienciano	0 – 1	Liga 1 Closing Tournament	2022-07-30
Cienciano	Ayacucho FC	3 – 1	Liga 1 Opening Tournament	2022-03-05
Ayacucho FC	Cienciano	1 – 3	Liga 1 – Phase 2	2021-10-22
Ayacucho FC	Cienciano	1 – 1	Liga 1 – Phase 1	2021-04-23