The rivalry between the Peru national football team and the Chile national football team is one of the most intense and historic in South American football. Known as the “Clásico del Pacífico” (Pacific Derby), matches between these two nations are always highly anticipated and fiercely contested. Below is a breakdown of the key stats from their historical encounters.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches Played: 83
- Chile Wins: 46
- Peru Wins: 23
- Draws: 14
Chile has historically had the upper hand in this rivalry, with nearly twice as many victories as Peru. However, the intensity of the matches and the passion on both sides make every game between these teams unpredictable.
Goals Scored
- Goals Scored by Chile: 154
- Goals Scored by Peru: 105
Chile has outscored Peru across their encounters, reflecting their overall dominance in the head-to-head record. However, Peru has also had its moments, particularly in recent years.
Notable Matches
- July 14, 1975 – Copa América (Group Stage)
- Location: Estadio Nacional, Lima, Peru
- Result: Peru 3-1 Chile
- Summary: Peru secured a significant victory over Chile during the group stage of the 1975 Copa América, a tournament Peru would go on to win. Goals from Percy Rojas and Juan Carlos Oblitas helped Peru to a memorable win.
- September 10, 1997 – FIFA World Cup Qualifier
- Location: Estadio Nacional, Santiago, Chile
- Result: Chile 4-0 Peru
- Summary: Chile dominated this World Cup qualifying match with a comprehensive 4-0 victory. Marcelo Salas was the star of the match, scoring a hat-trick and leading Chile to a decisive win.
- October 13, 2015 – FIFA World Cup Qualifier
- Location: Estadio Nacional, Lima, Peru
- Result: Chile 4-3 Peru
- Summary: In a thrilling World Cup qualifying match, Chile edged out Peru 4-3 in Lima. Alexis Sánchez and Eduardo Vargas were instrumental for Chile, each scoring two goals, while Peru put up a strong fight with goals from Jefferson Farfán and Paolo Guerrero.
- July 3, 2019 – Copa América (Semifinal)
- Location: Arena do Grêmio, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Result: Peru 3-0 Chile
- Summary: In a stunning upset, Peru defeated Chile 3-0 in the semifinals of the 2019 Copa América. Goals from Edison Flores, Yoshimar Yotún, and Paolo Guerrero sent Peru to the final, where they finished as runners-up to Brazil.
- October 13, 2020 – FIFA World Cup Qualifier
- Location: Estadio Nacional, Santiago, Chile
- Result: Chile 2-0 Peru
- Summary: Chile secured a 2-0 win over Peru in a World Cup qualifying match, with Arturo Vidal scoring both goals. The victory continued Chile’s strong record in the “Clásico del Pacífico.”
Key Players Over the Years
- Chile:
- Alexis Sánchez: One of Chile’s all-time top scorers, Sánchez has been crucial in many victories against Peru, known for his pace, dribbling, and goal-scoring ability.
- Marcelo Salas: A legendary forward, Salas had a particularly memorable performance against Peru in 1997, where he scored a hat-trick.
- Arturo Vidal: Known for his tenacity and scoring ability from midfield, Vidal has been a key player in Chile’s dominance over Peru.
- Peru:
- Paolo Guerrero: Peru’s all-time leading goal scorer, Guerrero has consistently troubled Chile’s defense with his physical presence and finishing.
- Jefferson Farfán: A versatile and creative forward, Farfán has been involved in several key moments for Peru against Chile.
- Edison Flores: Flores was instrumental in Peru’s 3-0 victory over Chile in the 2019 Copa América, scoring one of the goals that sent Peru to the final.
Tactical Insights
- Chile: Chile typically plays with an aggressive, high-pressing style, focusing on quick transitions and attacking through the wings. Their midfield, often led by players like Vidal, is key to breaking up opposition play and launching attacks.
- Peru: Peru’s approach often involves a balance between defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. With creative players like Guerrero and Farfán, Peru can be dangerous on the break, especially against a high-pressing team like Chile.
Conclusion
The stats between the Peru national football team and the Chile national football team reveal a rivalry steeped in history and competitive spirit. While Chile has generally had the upper hand in terms of victories and goals, Peru has proven capable of pulling off significant wins, particularly in crucial moments like the 2019 Copa América semifinal. The “Clásico del Pacífico” continues to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable fixtures in South American football, with both teams bringing passion and intensity to every match.
