Alianza Lima will take on Boca Juniors on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the Estadio Alejandro Villanueva, marking the first leg of the Copa Libertadores 2025's Phase 2. The match is set to kick off at 19:30 hours, per local time, and is pivotal for both clubs, especially for the local team which seeks to gain momentum before heading to Argentina for the return match.
The Peruvian side, Alianza Lima, is coming off of mixed results; they recently faced Alianza Atlético and suffered a frustrating 3-1 defeat. Despite leading 1-0 at halftime due to Eryc Castillo's goal, they could not maintain their advantage after halftime, which left fans anxious about the team's current form. "We started well, but after they equalized, we struggled physically. We need to improve on finishing our opportunities," stated head coach Néstor Gorosito, reflecting on the team's needs.
The upcoming match serves as both a redemption opportunity and responsibility for the 'blanquiazules', who have the potential to upset the renowned Argentine side. Alianza Lima's lineup aims to leverage the home advantage with several new high-profile additions, including players like Pablo Ceppelini and Hernán Barcos. Gorosito has indicated he will adopt a 4-1-4-1 formation, planning to start Guillermo Viscarra as the goalkeeper, supported by defenders Carlos Zambrano, Renzo Garcés, Guillermo Enrique, and Miguel Trauco. Midfielders Erick Noriega, Fernando Gaibor, and Pablo Ceppelini are expected to spearhead the team's offensive transitions, with Castillo and Quevedo flanking Barcos at the front.
On the other side, Boca Juniors arrives with their own challenges as they will be missing key players due to injuries. Notably, striker Edinson Cavani and defenders Marcos Rojo and Luis Advíncula are sidelined. Despite these setbacks, they are considered favorites, having clinched victory over Banfield recently, thanks to Lautaro Di Lollo's late header. Head coach Fernando Gago will likely set his team up in a 4-4-2 formation, relying on Agustín Marchesín to guard the net backed by defenders Juan Barinaga and Rodrigo Battaglia.
The atmosphere building around this rivalry is electric, with Alianza Lima fans hopeful for their side to come through at home. The last-minute injuries have added to the tension; with news surfacing just before the match about defender Ayrton Costa being unavailable. Gago's team morale seems intact as they prepare, with his statement reinforcing the need for resilience: "The result gives us peace and teaches us how to win, both at home and away."
Broadcasting options for the match are extensive, with ESPN, Disney+, and Pluto TV covering it throughout Latin America, whereas fans in Argentina can watch through Fox Sports and Telefe. Infobae Perú will also provide comprehensive coverage, offering minute-by-minute updates and insights.
This clash not only sets the stage for intense competition but also highlights the deep-rooted football culture shared between Peru and Argentina, as fans eagerly await what could shape their teams' fates going forward. With so much at stake, the return match at Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera promises to be just as thrilling, underscoring the rivalry's historical significance.