Alianza Lima faced Talleres de Córdoba on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, in a crucial match for Group D of the Copa Libertadores 2025 at the Estadio Alejandro Villanueva in Lima. This match was pivotal for Alianza, as they sought their first victory in the tournament after a disappointing start, which included a loss and a draw. The stakes were high, with fans eager to see their team make a mark in the group stage.
The match kicked off at 19:00 local time, with both teams eager to secure a vital three points. Alianza Lima, managed by Néstor Gorosito, came into this match following a 2-2 draw against Sao Paulo, where they managed to score through Eryc Castillo and Kevin Quevedo. They had also recently secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Los Chankas in Liga 1, which helped boost their confidence as they looked to translate their domestic form into continental success.
Talleres, on the other hand, was struggling in the Copa Libertadores, having lost both of their previous matches against Sao Paulo and Libertad. Their recent form in the Argentine league was also concerning, as they found themselves mid-table in Group B. Under the interim management of Pablo Guiñazú, Talleres was desperate for a turnaround.
As the first half progressed, it was clear that Alianza Lima was determined to take control of the match. In the 10th minute, Paolo Guerrero scored the opening goal, putting Alianza ahead 1-0. Guerrero's goal came from a well-placed cross by Pablo Lavandeira, and after a brief VAR check for a potential foul, the goal was confirmed. The stadium erupted with cheers as fans celebrated the crucial early lead.
Despite being a goal down, Talleres fought hard to equalize. They had a couple of chances, but Alianza's defense, led by Carlos Zambrano, held firm. In the 22nd minute, Guido Herrera, the Talleres goalkeeper, made a spectacular save to deny Kevin Quevedo, who was looking to double Alianza's lead. This save kept Talleres in the game and provided a glimmer of hope for the visitors.
As the first half drew to a close, Alianza Lima was firmly in control, leading 1-0. The home crowd was buoyant, and the players were visibly energized by the support. The referee, Andrés Rojas, blew the whistle for halftime, and the teams headed to the locker rooms with Alianza in a favorable position.
With the second half underway, Talleres made a change, bringing in Rick Lima Morais for Juan Camilo Portilla in an attempt to inject some fresh energy into their attack. However, Alianza Lima remained focused, knowing that a win was essential to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.
Throughout the second half, both teams had opportunities to score. Alianza continued to apply pressure, looking for a second goal to secure their victory. In the 47th minute, Herrera made another crucial save, this time against a powerful shot from Quevedo. The intensity of the match was palpable, with both sides pushing hard for a result.
As the minutes ticked by, Talleres became increasingly desperate for an equalizer. They threw more players forward, leaving gaps in their defense that Alianza could exploit. However, the home side remained resolute, defending their lead with determination.
Alianza Lima's victory would see them move up the group standings, potentially reaching the second position if Sao Paulo lost their match. A loss, however, would place Alianza in a precarious situation, risking their chances of advancing to the knockout stages of the Copa Libertadores.
With the match nearing its conclusion, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric. Fans were on the edge of their seats, knowing that every moment counted. Alianza Lima's players were giving their all, determined to secure the three points.
As the final whistle approached, Talleres continued to search for an equalizer but were met with a solid defensive display from Alianza. The match ended with Alianza Lima emerging victorious by a score of 1-0, thanks to Paolo Guerrero's early goal.
This victory not only boosted Alianza Lima's confidence but also their position in Group D, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the knockout stages of the Copa Libertadores. The team celebrated their hard-fought win, knowing that they had taken a significant step towards achieving their goals in this prestigious tournament.
In the post-match analysis, fans and pundits alike praised Alianza's performance, highlighting Guerrero's crucial goal and the team's overall resilience. As they look ahead, Alianza Lima will need to maintain this momentum if they hope to progress further in the competition.
For Talleres, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, but they will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming matches to turn their fortunes around in both the Copa Libertadores and the Argentine league.
