Alianza Lima and Universitario meet again to write a new edition of the Peruvian football classic, this time for the fifth day of the 2023 Clausura tournament in Alejandro Villanueva Stadium. In the game, which starts at 8.30pm, the blue and whites are certain they will win, not just because they are homegrown but because a win would allow them to catch up with the creams.
The sides, led by ‘Chicho’ Salas, will need to put their Copa Libertadores elimination and recent defeat at the hands of the Sport Boys behind them to earn points that will take them back to the top of the table. The big changes are the return of Argentina centre-backs Santiago García and Christian Cueva to the squad. Yordi Vílchez and Mauricio Arrasco are absent.
Although the locals have a slight preference, the classics are reserved prediction games and anything can happen. Last February, Alianza Lima managed to win as a guest Monumental by Ate at the first Peruvian football classic in 2023. Pablo Sabbag and Gabriel Costa scored the blue and white goals. While Luis Urruti gave the discount for the creams.
YOU CAN SEE: Alianza Lima will open a Wi-Fi network against Universitario and fans will have free internet in Matute
Lima Alliance vs. University: The second classic of the year takes place in Matute. Photo: La República/LR Composition
This time, the “U” wants to please their fans after being eliminated by Corinthians in the Copa Sudamericana. The reality of Jorge Fossati’s team in League 1 is different as they reach the second Peruvian football classic of the year as leaders with 10 points, just like Sporting Cristal and FBC Melgar.
With four appointments played in the Clausura, Universitario had 3 points ahead of Alianza Lima and when he triumphed in the Alexander Villanueva, would be expanded to 6, in addition to reducing the accumulated table allowing access to the playoffs. Meanwhile, the blue-whites would catch up with the creams with a win and regain their pace towards the goal of winning straight through this competition.
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So much Lima Alliance As a university, they would present innovations in their starting XI. For example Sabbag’s return to attack and the use of “Chicho” who would risk putting Zanelatto into the narrow box on the right wing; and Fossati’s decision to add Edison Flores to the merengue team from the start.
YOU CAN SEE: Universitario and his strong 11 to snap unbeaten Alianza Lima in Matute and finish first
The presence of the VAR is also guaranteed in this game. The Conar appointed Roberto Bruno Pérez Gutiérrez as the main referee of the Peruvian classic. So far, Pérez has overseen 12 matches in Liga 1, recording 63 yellow cards (an average of five per match) and six red cards. Michael Espinoza and Jonny Bossio were appointed to the post WASwhile Víctor Hugo Carrillo will be the advisor.