Alianza Lima and Nacional Prepare for Copa Libertadores Showdown

LIMA, Peru — Alianza Lima is set to face Nacional of Paraguay in a critical rematch of the first phase of the 2025 Copa Libertadores on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. After securing a last-minute equalizer during the away game, Alianza hopes to advance to the next round with a strong performance at home.

The match will take place at Matute Stadium at 7:30 p.m. (local time) and will be broadcast on ESPN and streamed live on Disney+ throughout South America. Alianza Lima, under the management of Néstor Gorosito, is known for its aggressive start, characterized by high pressing aimed at regaining ball possession and setting the pace of the game.

If Alianza can score early on, they will shift the pressure to Nacional, which has previously demonstrated a willingness to sit back and counterattack. Nacional’s strategy relies heavily on the speed of its wingers, who will need to support the defense. “We understand the importance of controlling the ball and have prepared accordingly,” Gorosito stated during a press conference.

In the first leg, held in Asunción, the teams ended in a 1-1 deadlock, with goals from Gustavo Caballero and Hernán Barcos. “The team is optimistic, and everyone is ready to perform. We know what’s at stake,” said Nacional’s coach, Pedro Sarabia, who expressed confidence in his squad’s experience in international competitions.

Hernán Barcos made headlines after converting a penalty in the dying moments of the first leg. At 41 years old, he has become the oldest player in history to score for Alianza Lima in the Copa Libertadores and currently holds the record for the most goals by a foreign player in the tournament. Barcos commented on his determination, saying, “I treat each match as if it were my last; the goal is to give my all for the team.”

However, Alianza Lima faces injury concerns as their star forward, Paolo Guerrero, sustained an ankle injury during the first leg. He was forced to exit the match early, raising doubts about his participation in the crucial rematch. No official medical report has been released, but preliminary reports suggest he may have sustained a significant sprain.

“It was swollen after the game; we will evaluate him,” said Gorosito about Guerrero’s condition. In Guerrero’s likely absence, Barcos’s experience will be crucial to lead the attack. The squad showed promise in their last domestic match with a 3-0 win over Cusco FC, suggesting they can adapt to changes in the lineup.

With Alianza aiming to capitalize on their home advantage, anticipation builds around the expected atmosphere at Matute Stadium, which is expected to be packed with enthusiastic supporters. Fans unable to attend will have access to live coverage through multiple platforms, including ESPN and Disney+.

As both teams prepare for the decisive clash, the stakes are high; the winner will qualify for the second round of the tournament, paving the way for a potential matchup against Boca Juniors. “This is an opportunity we cannot miss,” emphasized Barcos as he looked toward the challenge ahead.