Alianza Lima edged past Sport Huancayo 2-1 in a hard-fought Peruvian Liga 1 clash at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva, keeping their title push firmly on track. The victory lifted the íntimos into second place in the Clausura standings, while Huancayo remained mid-table following a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful fightback.

Match Overview

Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Alianza Lima controlled large stretches of the contest but found Huancayo a stubborn opponent. The visitors, known for their compact defensive structure and quick transitions, made life difficult for the hosts until late in the second half.

The first half ended goalless, with both sides feeling each other out. Alianza enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but Huancayo’s backline, marshalled by veteran centre‑back Marcel Vílchez, held firm. The best chance fell to Alianza striker Hernán Barcos, whose close‑range header was tipped over by goalkeeper Ángel Zamudio just before the interval.

Key Moments

• 52' – Goal (1-0): Alianza Lima broke the deadlock through a well‑worked set piece. Midfielder José Manzaneda swung in a corner from the left, and centre‑back Yordi Vílchez rose highest to power a header into the top corner.
• 71' – Goal (1-1): Sport Huancayo equalised against the run of play. A quick counter‑attack caught Alianza’s high line out, and winger Luis Benites raced onto a through ball before sliding a finish past the onrushing goalkeeper.
• 84' – Goal (2-1): Alianza’s persistence paid off. Substitute Pablo Lavandeira cut inside from the right flank and unleashed a curling left‑footed strike from the edge of the box that nestled into the far corner.

Tactical Story

Alianza Lima manager Mariano Soso set his team up in a fluid 4‑3‑3, aiming to overload Huancayo’s narrow midfield block. The full‑backs, Ricardo Lagos and Erick Noriega, pushed high to create width, but Huancayo’s disciplined 4‑4‑1‑1 often forced Alianza into sideways passes.

The introduction of Lavandeira in the 65th minute proved decisive. His ability to drift infield and shoot from distance gave Alianza a different threat, and it was precisely that move that ultimately broke Huancayo’s resistance. Defensively, Alianza survived a late scare when a header from Ronald Huaccha struck the crossbar in stoppage time.

Standout Performances

• Pablo Lavandeira (Alianza Lima) – The supersub delivered the winner with a moment of individual brilliance, capping a lively cameo.
• Yordi Vílchez (Alianza Lima) – Commanding in both boxes; his opening goal gave his side the platform to push for victory.
• Ángel Zamudio (Sport Huancayo) – Made several excellent saves to keep his team in the game, notably a point‑blank stop from Barcos in the first half.

Table and Season Impact

The result lifted Alianza Lima to 31 points in the Clausura table, just three behind leaders Universitario with six matches remaining. For Sport Huancayo, the defeat left them on 22 points, still in contention for a Copa Sudamericana spot but now seven points adrift of the top four.

Alianza’s home form remains formidable – they have lost only once at Matute all season. Huancayo, meanwhile, will rue missed opportunities after showing resilience that deserved at least a point on the night.