Alianza Lima kicked off their Apertura campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory against Cusco FC at the Estadio Alejandro Villanueva on February 8, 2025. This dominant performance marked an ideal start for Alianza Lima, following their previous match where they drew 1-1 with Nacional in the Copa Libertadores.
The match took no time to heat up, as Alianza Lima quickly established their dominance, with star player Erick Noriega scoring just eight minutes after the whistle. Noriega seized on the opportunity from outside the box, unleashing a powerful shot past Cusco's goalkeeper, Andy Vidal, giving Alianza the early lead. This goal set the tone for the rest of the match, with Alianza controlling possession and dictation throughout the game.
Shortly after going one-up, Alianza Lima continued to threaten. Hernán Barcos almost added to the tally only two minutes after Noriega's opener. His header, though on target, was slightly off course. Nevertheless, the team didn't need to wait long for their next goal. Just nine minutes later, Noriega assisted Pablo Lavandeira, whose well-placed shot found the back of the net, making it 2-0. The interplay displayed between the players showcased Alianza's cohesive attacking unit and marked their intent of securing all three points.
Despite Cusco FC’s attempts to respond—Nicolás Silva had one of the team’s few attempts on goal, testing Bolivian keeper Guillermo Viscarra—Alianza Lima's defense held firm. Cusco struggled to find their rhythm and were unable to create significant chances.
The culmination of Alianza Lima's offensive pressure came right after halftime when Eryc Castillo converted a penalty after being fouled during a corner kick. With Castillo stepping up to take the penalty, he confidently slotted the ball home, putting the game out of reach for Cusco FC at 3-0.
Throughout the match, Alianza Lima showcased their tactical prowess under coach Néstor Gorosito, displaying intense pressure and recovering the ball effectively across all lines. His decision to start with the bolstering combination of players such as Lavandeira, Quevedo, and Castillo proved invaluable. Yet, it was Noriega’s fearless play on the wings and his ability to create opportunities from nothing which truly made him stand out on the night.
On the other hand, Cusco FC struggled to adapt to the relentless pace and found themselves under siege for much of the game. The inability to maintain possession impacted their performance significantly, culminating with Aldair Fuentes receiving two yellow cards, resulting in his expulsion with eight minutes remaining. This only compounded their troubles as they finished the match with ten men.
This victory sets Alianza Lima on the right path as they shift focus to their upcoming Copa Libertadores match against Nacional on February 14, where they will look to continue their winning momentum. Fans are optimistic about the team's prospects this season, particularly after such a promising opener.
The starting line-ups for both teams indicated Alianza Lima's commitment to success. Alianza deployed Guillermo Viscarra, Guillermo Enrique, and Carlos Zambrano alongside their offensive trio of Noriega, Lavandeira, and Barcos. Meanwhile, Cusco FC fielded Andy Vidal, with notable players like José Zevallos and Marco Saravia, but their efforts were insufficient against the well-drilled Alianza Lima side.
With this impressive start, Alianza Lima fans can look forward to what could be another strong season, hoping their team carries this form throughout the Apertura and beyond.