If there is something that Alianza Lima made clear in his presentation to Once Caldas, it is that commitment and versatility are non-negotiable. The confidants left a more than positive face in front of the thousands of fans who filled the stands of the National Stadium and renewed with them a new dream of winning and competing in Peruvian football Copa Libertadores 2024.
With everything that the colossus of José Díaz shows, coach Alejandro Restrepo stands out for applying a lot of pressure with the strikers, relying on the wingers, constantly recovering with the midfielders and creating a clean start with the defense, which at times doesn't work. Moves that, despite just coming out of preseason, looked very neat with the plays prepared.
YOU CAN SEE: How was Alianza Lima vs. Once Caldas for Blue and White Night 2024?
Adrián Arregui, Catriel Cabellos and Kevin Serna were the best
If we have to highlight three names above the footballers of Alianza Lima against Once Caldas, they are those of Arregui, Catriel j Serna. The first was clearly noticeable in midfield. He was very aggressive when it came to scoring goals, he gave command to his teammates, he organized the entire team, he was responsible for distributing filtered passes and he even almost scored a great goal with half a scissors. His participation was more than approved.
Speaking of which Catriel Cabellos, the youth player from Racing de Avellaneda was very brave. At times Restrepo had him play as Carrilero, he also relied on Arregui and the diagonals. Without a doubt, the 19-year-old footballer showed great willingness to receive the ball and always move forward.
Catriel Cabellos joined Alianza Lima on loan. Photo: Alianza Lima
If it weren't for the goals of Hernan Barcos, Kevin Serna would have been voted the best player of the night. The “spicy” flavor flew through his band; he not only bonded very well with the “Pirate”, but also with Cecilio Waterman and his other companions. He never tired of going forward, he made luxurious moves, he eliminated any rival who took the lead and even caused the penalty for Alianza Lima's second goal in the Nacional.
But not everything is good: there is also something bad
In this regard, there was something that the blue and white fans didn't particularly like: Alianza Lima's defensive line. Aldair Fountain, John Paul Freytes and Jiovany Ramos They didn't exude much confidence, and every time they tried to play fairly, they ended up losing and even found it difficult to retreat quickly.
Despite all the explanations, they managed to find their way on the pitch and looked much more confident as the minutes went on. Of course, this also had to do with the fact that Once Caldas stopped attacking in the second half and lost intensity.
Of course, playing with a line of three is very risky, especially for players who have not yet practiced this scheme together and therefore only get to know each other by watching the movements of their teammates. Certainly they will be more confident as the games progress, in addition to the fact that Yordi Vílchez and Renzo Garcés have a chance of being in the starting eleven.
Finally, Alianza Lima approved its first public participation of the season. The next game will be on the Blanquiazul 2024 afternoon against U. Católica, which will be played at the Mansiche Stadium in Trujillo.
The intimate players celebrate Barcos' goal. Photo: La República/Luis Jiménez