Although the process was not as simple as it seemed in the second half, Lima Alliance ended up vastly outperforming scientist and was left with the victory thanks to Franco Zanelatto’s double (2-0). After the final whistle, already cold, Guillermo Salas He analyzed the performance of his managers and analyzed the difficult debut they will have in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores.
Although the ‘blue and whites’ are the absolute leaders of the Apertura Tournament with 18 points –two more than Sporting Cristal and Universitario de Deportes–, they will have to celebrate halfway and focus on what is coming their way internationally, as it will not be easy. Athletico Paranaense, current runner-up in the Libertadores, will visit the Alejandro Villanueva stadium and must be ready to face the challenge.
“We have a large squad and they are all preparing well, they are excellent professionals, they are competing internally and I don’t think there is any kind of advantage”, said the Victorian technical director at a press conference, analyzing the fact of having played with some substitutes against Cienciano.
Likewise, regarding the commitment to the Brazilians, Salas was cautious. He knows that the scenario is not easy and they will have to go step by step if they want to transcend internationally. “From now on we are thinking about the opponent on Tuesday, we know that it will be a tough opponent in the Copa Libertadores”, he added.
Finally, he appreciated the effort of his players to be able to face two tournaments simultaneously, since in less than a week they faced Atlético Grau and Cienciano, and now they will have to do the same against Paranaense. “I am very happy and proud of the team, we have had a series of difficult matches, two away games in difficult places”, he pointed out.
When does Alianza Lima debut in the Copa Libertadores?
After this victory over Cienciano, Lima Alliance will play again this Tuesday, April 4, when they face Athletico Paranaense for matchday 1 of the Copa Libertadores group stage. The match is scheduled for 5:00 pm and will take place at the Alejandro Villanueva stadium.
The ‘blue and white’ will seek to break that tough streak of not being able to win 29 games ago in the Libertadores. In addition to Paranaense, Guillermo Salas’ men share Group G with Atlético Mineiro and Libertad. When having to measure forces with two Brazilians and a Paraguayan, the panorama is very complicated.
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