Universitario to Face Panama in Historic Friendly Match

LIMA, Peru — Universitario de Deportes will host the Panama national team in a historic friendly match on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the Estadio Monumental. The event, part of the club’s annual “Noche Crema” celebration, marks the first time in 37 years that Universitario will face a national team.

The match, scheduled for 8:30 p.m. local time, will serve as a key preparation for Universitario ahead of the Liga 1 season and the 2025 Copa Libertadores. Panama, the runner-up in the 2024 CONCACAF Gold Cup, arrives with a strong squad despite the match falling outside FIFA international dates.

Universitario’s head coach, Fabián Bustos, will field his new signings, including Diego Churín, Jairo Vélez, and Paolo Reyna, who will be officially introduced to fans during the pre-match festivities. The club will also honor the late Luis Tejada, a former Universitario player and Panama’s all-time leading scorer, who passed away in January 2024.

Universitario’s last encounter with a national team dates back to 1988, when they lost 1-0 to Bolivia. Historically, the club has recorded 5 wins, 10 draws, and 12 losses against national teams.

The match will be broadcast live on Gol Perú (Channel 14 and 714 HD on Movistar). Betting odds favor Universitario, with local bookmakers offering 1.55 for a home win, 3.70 for a draw, and 5.70 for a Panama victory.

Universitario will be without forward Álex Valera, who is sidelined with a lumbar injury, and Yuriel Celi, who was loaned to Deportivo Garcilaso for the 2025 season.