Alianza Lima Faces São Paulo in Crucial Copa Libertadores Clash

Lima, Peru — Alianza Lima will visit São Paulo this Thursday for a pivotal match in Group D of the 2025 Copa Libertadores, a challenging task against one of the tournament favorites. The match is scheduled to kick off at 19:30 (COL, PER, ECU) and 21:30 (ARG, URU, PAR, CHI).

Historically, Alianza Lima has struggled against São Paulo, failing to secure a win in four prior encounters in the Copa Libertadores. Their last matchups occurred in 2004 and 2007, resulting in four losses for the Peruvian club. This includes a heartbreaking 3-1 defeat in their final match of the 2004 group stage, which eliminated them from the tournament.

Despite the current challenges faced by São Paulo, which includes recent performance struggles in the Campeonato Paulista, Alianza Lima’s task will be made even more difficult due to significant player absences. Coach Néstor Gorosito will be without Carlos Zambrano, Renzo Garcés, and Guillermo Enrique, all suspended, along with Alan Cantero due to injury. Gorosito’s side is keen to turn around a disappointing start which saw them lose 1-0 at home to Libertad in their opening match.

“It’s going to be a tough match,” Gorosito said. “We must strive for points in Brazil given the circumstances we are in. Each game in Libertadores is crucial.”

Alianza Lima aims to make history by breaking a 46-year streak without a victory against Brazilian teams, the last being Universitario’s triumph over Palmeiras in 1979. In a total of 36 matches against Brazilian teams, Alianza holds a record of 32 defeats, 2 draws, and only 2 wins.

The match at Morumbi comes as a chance for Alianza Lima to demonstrate improvement. “São Paulo is a strong team, and we know the challenge ahead,” Alianza midfielder Jesús Castillo commented. “However, we’re focused on our goal and are hopeful to achieve a positive outcome in Brazil.”

São Paulo, under coach Luis Zubeldía, will also face difficulties with key players like Lucas Moura and Óscar unavailable for selection. São Paulo currently leads the group after winning their opener against Talleres, but they need another victory to stay atop as the competition progresses.

As the teams prepare for kickoff, Alianza Lima is hoping to secure their first away victory against a Brazilian side, making this match not just another fixture, but a significant moment in their history.