Alianza Lima Faces Seven Key Absences Against UTC for Second Place
Alianza Lima is preparing for a critical match against UTC in the final round of the 2025 Clausura Tournament. A victory is essential for the team to secure second place in the Liga 1 cumulative standings and qualify for the playoff finals. However, the team faces significant challenges due to the absence of seven key players.
Key Absences for Alianza Lima
Coach Néstor Gorosito confirmed the absence of seven players in the squad for the match at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva, commonly known as Matute. The affected players include:
- Renzo Garcés
- Josué Estrada
- Guillermo Enrique
- Alessandro Burlamaqui
- Ricardo Lagos
- Matías Succar
- Jean Pierre Archimbaud
Impact of Player Absences
Renzo Garcés emerges as the most notable absence. The defender recently participated in FIFA friendlies with the Peruvian national team and endured a long journey from Russia. His exclusion aims to safeguard his physical condition.
Josué Estrada and Guillermo Enrique were left out due to tactical decisions, and neither had reported injuries. Meanwhile, Garcés’s absence has sparked speculation regarding his future with the club as he has missed several recent matches.
Further complications arise with the exclusions of Alessandro Burlamaqui, Ricardo Lagos, and Matías Succar, who were also omitted based on technical choices. Jean Pierre Archimbaud has undergone knee surgery, adding another layer of difficulty for the team as he has dealt with ongoing physical issues throughout the season.
Playoff Qualification Scenario
Alianza Lima’s challenge extends beyond their roster situation. The team cannot secure second place independently; they must also rely on results from another match. To finish second in the cumulative standings, Alianza Lima must defeat UTC, and they must hope that Cusco FC loses against Sport Huancayo.
Failure to secure a win will lead Alianza Lima to the playoffs’ semifinals, increasing their match load and complicating their immediate future.
Ultimately, the upcoming match against UTC presents a crucial opportunity for Alianza Lima, with significant implications for both their current season and future endeavors.
