Alianza Lima Eyes Playoffs Spot in Copa Libertadores Qualification

LIMA, Peru – Alianza Lima secured its third consecutive national championship last Sunday, earning the top spot as Peru 1 in the Copa Libertadores group stage. However, the identities of the other qualifying teams—Peru 2, Peru 3, and Peru 4—remain uncertain as they depend on upcoming playoff results.

This season, the national runner-up will not simply be the second-best team in the cumulative standings. Instead, a direct elimination playoff format will determine the silver medalist. The second-place team in the table will automatically advance to the playoff finals.

Currently, Cusco FC holds that second position with 63 points, while Alianza Lima and FBC Melgar sit in third and fourth with 61 and 55 points, respectively. As the season nears its end, these standings set the stage for intense matchups.

If the standings remain unchanged today, Alianza Lima and FBC Melgar will meet in a playoff semifinal, with Alianza Lima hosting the first leg at UNSA Stadium and the return leg at Alejandro Villanueva Stadium. In case of a tie, goal difference will be the primary determinant, followed by penalties if necessary.

The playoff winner will face Cusco FC in the final match. The champion will become the national runner-up and claim the Peru 2 slot in the Copa Libertadores, while the playoff losers will settle into the Peru 3 and Peru 4 positions, heading to preliminary rounds for the tournament.

Award-winning player statistics are crucial as the competition heats up; for instance, Alianza Lima requires a victory over FBC Melgar in their upcoming match to advance beyond Cusco FC.

Each team’s remaining schedule is pivotal. Alianza Lima’s next fixtures include matches against FBC Melgar, Chankas FC, and UTC. Meanwhile, Cusco FC has upcoming games against Alianza Universidad and Sport Boys, with FBC Melgar also facing off against Alianza Lima.

As the countdown continues, fans are eager to see how the remaining matches will impact the playoff picture and which teams will secure their spots in the prestigious Copa Libertadores.