Fabián Bustos to Depart Universitario for Olimpia Amid Ongoing Tournament

LIMA, Peru – Fabián Bustos will lead Universitario in his final match as head coach against FBC Melgar on April 13, 2025, before joining Olimpia in Paraguay. The agreement comes as Universitario competes in the Apertura Tournament and the group stage of an international tournament.

Bustos, who led Universitario to a championship title in 2024, has reportedly agreed to a contract that includes paying his release clause to finalize the move. Meanwhile, Universitario currently sits with 14 points after six matches in Liga 1, with one game pending against Grau.

This departure is notably abrupt, occurring just as the team is engaged in important competitions. Universitario will seek continuity and stability as they navigate the remainder of the season, particularly after Bustos received a four-game suspension recently for inappropriate celebrations during a match against Alianza Lima.

Edgardo Adinolfi will step in as interim coach for the match against Melgar, scheduled for 7 p.m. local time at the Estadio Monumental in Lima. Bustos’s tenure will culminate amidst speculation concerning his future, with many fans uncertain about how this sudden change will affect the team.

FBC Melgar enters this match on a strong performance streak, maintaining a perfect record of six wins in six games. Their last victory was a significant 4-0 win against ADT on April 5. However, they suffered a loss in the Sudamericana against Lanús, highlighting some vulnerabilities.

Head coach Walter Ribonetto leads Melgar with a focus on dynamic play and midfield strength, relying heavily on the contributions of players like Alejandro Ramos, Kenji Cabrera, and Facundo Castro. Bustos’s insights during this decisive match will be critical, even from a distance.

Reports indicate that Bustos’s decision to join Olimpia was influenced by both competitive and economic factors. As Universitario contemplates their options for a successor, names like Jorge Fossati and Ricardo Gareca are emerging in discussions among fans as potential candidates for the coaching position.

As the club strives for a successful outcome in both Liga 1 and the Copa Libertadores, they face the challenge of selecting a new coach who can inspire the team amid ongoing pressures to achieve a tri-championship goal.