In a match that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle, Alianza Lima pulled off a hard-fought 2-1 win over Atlético Grau on Wednesday night at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva. The game, part of the Liga 1 Clausura's 12th round, saw the home side claw back from an early deficit to secure three vital points. Indeed, with this result, Alianza now sits at 18 points in the standings, breathing a bit easier in what has been a rollercoaster season for the Blanquiazules.
The action kicked off with Atlético Grau striking first, capitalizing on a defensive lapse just minutes into the second half—though exact timings are still being debated among pundits. But Alianza didn't panic. Alan Cantero leveled the score in the 72nd minute with a sharp finish that silenced the Grau supporters who had traveled to Lima. Then, in a burst of momentum, Josué Estrada sealed the deal three minutes later, his goal a testament to the team's resilience under pressure. Grau's lone tally came from a set-piece play, but it wasn't enough to hold off the hosts' late surge.
However, this victory comes amid whispers of inconsistency for Alianza Lima. Coach Guillermo Farré's squad has shown flashes of brilliance, yet defensive errors like the one that gifted Grau the lead highlight ongoing vulnerabilities. Atlético Grau, meanwhile, fought valiantly but slipped to their fourth loss in five away games this clausura. Still, their performance wasn't without merit; the northern side created chances that could have changed the narrative if only the finishing had been sharper.
Looking back, the teams' earlier clash in May ended in a 1-1 draw, suggesting these encounters are always tight affairs. For Alianza, this win boosts morale ahead of tougher fixtures, but questions linger about sustaining this form. Moreover, with the league heating up, every point feels like a battle won—or lost. As the dust settles on this Lima derby of sorts, one can't help but wonder if Alianza's grit will carry them deeper into contention.