The stage is set for a thrilling Copa Sudamericana clash as Peruvian giants Alianza Lima host Brazilian powerhouse São Paulo at the Estadio Alejandro Villanueva in Lima on Thursday, August 10. The tie is delicately balanced following a 0-0 draw in the first leg in São Paulo, and Alianza Lima are looking to leverage their home advantage to take a crucial step forward. For Alianza Lima, this match is a significant opportunity to end their 60-year drought without a major continental achievement, with their last major triumph dating back to their 1976 and 1978 league titles and a Copa Libertadores appearance in 1968, though not a triumph, and hoping to build on that history.

Allianz Lima face some injury concerns ahead of the match, with key midfielder Jose “Pepe” Rivera set to undergo a late fitness test after suffering a knock in their recent Liga 1 match against Universitario. Coach Guillermo Salas will need to weigh his options carefully and may call upon experienced players like Carlos Ascues and Pablo Lavandeira to lead the team. São Paulo, meanwhile, are in a rebuilding phase under coach Dorival Júnior and are seeking to reassert their continental credentials after years of underwhelming performances. They’ve shown improvement in recent Brasileirão Serie A matches, climbing the table with a more solid defensive structure, although their attacking play can be inconsistent.

Dorival Júnior is expected to stick with a similar lineup to the first leg, adopting a cautious approach and looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. With no away goal rule in place, even a 1-0 win for Alianza Lima would send the match to penalties, adding to the tension. The Brazilian media are emphasizing the pressure on São Paulo to perform, highlighting the need for a more clinical finish than they displayed in the first leg, where they created several clear chances. Tickets for the match at Matute were sold out within hours, underscoring the passionate support Alianza Lima enjoys at home. Analysts are predicting a tactical game, with both coaches prioritizing defensive stability, as one mistake could prove decisive. The winner will progress to the Round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana, a vital step towards the final and a significant boost for both clubs’ ambitions this season.