Alianza Lima vs River Plate
Alianza Lima return to continental action after lifting the Peruvian league title in 2021. Due to a bye round and one game suspended as a result of the social crisis, the team haven’t played any matches since March 12nd, when they lost 1-0 away at Melgar FBC. It was their third consecutive defeat, which means El Intimo accumulated only five points in six rounds in the league this term. Alianza registered one victory, one draw and one loss at home this season. However, they will host Wednesday’s game at Estadio Nacional.
River Plate were crowned champions in 2021 after seven years without a league title and will seek their fifth Copa Libertadores’ crown. Last Saturday, El Millonario beat Defensa y Justicia 2-1 away from home to climb into second place in the Copa Liga Profesional’s group A with 16 points (trailing leaders Racing Club by two). Marcelo Gallardo’s men won six of their last eight competitive games (drawing one and losing one) and they also hold a three-match winning streak on the road.
River is one of the candidates to lift the trophy, and I can imagine they won’t have any problems to beat this poor Alianza Lima that hasn’t played in 3 weeks and in a probably empty stadium due to Peru’s political and social crisis.