The night of Thursday, August 13, 2026, will be remembered in the recent history of Cienciano. The 6-1 win over Botafogo not only meant a huge advantage in the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana, but also confirmed that the Cusco team is going through a special moment. Alejandro Hohberg was one of the protagonists of the thrashing. The offensive midfielder talks with El Comercio about the dream night in Cusco, the project that convinced him to stay with ‘Papá’ and a hope that reappears: the Peruvian national team.
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All this just hours before closing the tie against Botafogo to secure the passage to the quarterfinals of the Sudamericana.
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—How have these days been after a night like the 6-1?
Happy, obviously, because of the match and the atmosphere in the stadium. It was a beautiful night, one of those you always wish to have. I think the setting and the team’s performance exceeded what we had imagined. We were left with the peace of mind of having played a great match, although we knew that, regardless of the result, the series would be decided in Brazil.
—Did you expect such a big difference?
I think not even the most optimistic thought we would score six goals against a rival of that stature. We trust a lot in what we do, especially at home and in this cup, but we also had to be realistic. The important thing was to win, whether by one or two goals. If we got a bigger difference, much better for us. And it ended up being much better than we imagined.
—At what moment did you feel that Botafogo was really hurt?
From the start of the match, we knew we had to be aggressive with the ball and vertical. That can be difficult for teams not used to playing at altitude. We know it’s something that works for us and with which we feel comfortable.
When we scored the first goal, they took the ball out, we immediately went to press, they committed a foul, and the set piece came for the second. Scoring two goals in two or three minutes gives you confidence and surely also plays against the opponent psychologically. From there, the team settled much better and the goals kept coming.
—After the match, you said that Cienciano is not a team of long balls. Yesterday, you were also decisive in the build-up. How do you feel about your moment within this structure?
We are clear about our strengths and it would be foolish not to exploit them if they are giving us results. But we also try to add better possessions because you have to evolve as a team. Just as we study the opponents, they also study us and we have to add new weapons to hurt them.
Yesterday we scored two goals from set pieces. Neri’s fifth goal was a good play combined through the middle. That’s what I meant when I said we are not just crosses. Sometimes they want to pigeonhole us as a team that only sends long balls into the box, but there is always a plan. We know what we are strong at and try to take advantage of those strengths.
—The comparison with the 2003 Cienciano was inevitable after this thrashing. How do you take that comparison?
Obviously, I didn’t see that era, but I do know the club’s history and the achievements it had. I have seen that the press and people make comparisons, but we try to go slowly. We know nothing is decided yet and we are far from being a South American champion team.
One always dreams big, but the key has been to go step by step. Now we have to close the tie well in Brazil, which will be tough. We want to play a match where we don’t suffer most of the time and where we can also hurt them, because I think we have what it takes.
—Have any players from that Cienciano contacted you?
Personally, no. I do know that Checho has been at the stadium and was also at the match against Lanús. It’s good that people join and that there is good energy.
—How are you experiencing your time in Cusco? You have been with Universitario, Alianza Lima, and Sporting Cristal. What do you find in Cienciano?
Personally, I am doing well. I live peacefully here with my family. Although the city allows you, on days off, to visit places and clear your head, playing so often means you are in that line of resting, training, and preparing for the next match.
Obviously, when the team’s moment is good, you feel better and have better spirits. Personally, I feel things have gone as I wanted and the idea is to continue on that path. I said in an interview last year: Cienciano has to aim for bigger things. And I think what we are achieving this year is what the club should aim for.
—There were rumors you could return to Lima. You said you stayed because you believed in the project. What convinced you?
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In football, you can’t be naive. When you have good performances and the team is positioned in an important place, it’s logical that interest arises for several players.
I felt we had to give continuity to what we had been doing this year. We have built a good group, there is good harmony with the coaching staff, and we identify with the way of playing. We also feel that the people identify with us. That’s why I said it. I’m happy, we enjoy the day-to-day, and the results help everything flow better.
—The coach has a very particular personality outwardly. Does that end up helping the team to relieve pressure?
We know the coach has a special personality outwardly. With us, he is a demanding coach. We know very well the rules to follow and what things are non-negotiable. The group has felt reflected in that.
When the results come, you trust much more. There is a good work environment and everything that happens around the coach, with some statements, doesn’t change anything for us. We know he defends us to the death and we are all in with him. In turbulent moments, the team has given an extra.
—With this moment you are going through and the possibility that the national team plays at altitude, do you feel that door can open again?
I’ve never liked to comment much on that because I think there is one person who chooses the players and that’s it. Those of us who dream and long to be there, if it happens, we will be happy. And if not, we have to keep working because there are tastes and decisions beyond the player.
Clearly, I would love it. I feel that when you are doing things well and maintain consistency, you can have more chances. You work the same way to be seen, whether at altitude or not. When you are doing well, the hope awakens a bit more and you are attentive to the day the list comes out.
—Now adapted to Cusco, is it more comfortable for you to play at altitude or on the plains?
I didn’t do my whole career at altitude. That’s why, when they say now certain players may have chances because they play there, I prepare to have that chance no matter where it is played. You have to try to take advantage of whichever venue it is.
I have adapted well to the altitude and the way we play this year perhaps exploits the home team more. You make the opponent look more uncomfortable. But altitude alone won’t win you matches or make you beat a team like Botafogo 6-1. I think it would be looking at only a small part of what we are doing, although we are taking advantage of that small edge.
—The team responded despite the absences. Is it a sign that Cienciano has more than just a good eleven?
Yes. We missed the captain, who is Carlos, and you always want to have the whole squad available. But that speaks well of the group and the internal competition.
It’s very difficult to achieve good things with only eleven players. Throughout the season, a substitution has always made us win or close matches. It shows that everyone has to feel important. We have all participated and nights like yesterday make everyone feel they contribute.
—What does it mean for you to play with a full stadium?
It’s fundamental. When the stadium is full, there is a different vibe and the opponent feels it. Everyone doing their part — players, coach, and fans — adds to what we are doing.
Playing with a full stadium is not the same for us. It totally changes the energy. We ask them to keep supporting us because this year the team has achieved unthinkable results thanks to that support and the hunger of this group.
—Is this the best version of Alejandro Hohberg we have seen?
It could be. Accompanied by the help of the team and the good campaign, I am feeling comfortable. Things are going well, I get to score goals, assist, and play regularly. So yes, I feel happy.
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