Alianza Atlético - Alianza Lima: when they meet in Liga1 Apertura (Feb. 14, 2026)
Alianza Lima travel to Trujillo to face Alianza Atlético in the third round of the Liga1 2026 Torneo Apertura on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The clash arrives with contrasting rhythms: Alianza Lima chasing stability after an emotionally bruising exit from continental competition, while Alianza Atlético seeks consistency in the early domestic slate.
Kickoff, venue and broadcast
The match kicks off on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 8: 00 PM ET. The fixture will be played at the IPD Mansiche stadium in Trujillo. Live coverage will be carried by national broadcasters and streaming platforms serving domestic viewers.
Form and context: a wounded favorite
Alianza Lima arrive unbeaten in the domestic league with two consecutive wins in the Apertura, but the mood around the club is tense after elimination from the CONMEBOL Libertadores at the hands of 2 de Mayo. That defeat has left a clear emotional mark on the squad and coaching staff, increasing the imperative to collect three points and restore confidence among players and supporters.
Alianza Atlético’s early campaign and aims
Alianza Atlético have shown glimpses of balance in the opening rounds, with one win and one loss. Their campaign is still in its infancy, and a home result against one of the traditional powers would serve as a statement of intent. The visitors must guard against underestimating a side that can be compact and dangerous on the counter.
Key players to watch
For Alianza Lima, Paolo Guerrero remains the focal point of the attack. Guerrero has converted penalties in each of the first two league games and carries obvious finishing threat and experience that can decide tight encounters. Behind him, creative link-up play and service from the wide areas will be decisive.
Alianza Atlético will depend heavily on Hernán Lupú in midfield. Lupú has the engine and game management skills to break rhythm, recycle possession and initiate forward moves. If he finds time and space, he can turn transitions into real opportunities for his forwards.
Tactical considerations and lineup questions
One storyline to monitor is the coach’s selection consistency. The visiting coach has rotated heavily through the opening official matches, prompting debate over a settled starting eleven. Expect a mix of tactical caution and urgency from the visitors—caution to avoid early mistakes that could expose defensive structure, urgency to secure a win that soothes recent disappointment.
Alianza Atlético’s coach will likely prioritize midfield solidity and quick outlets. If the hosts can congest the middle and force Alianza Lima to play wide, they may limit Guerrero’s immediate influence and create space for forward runners.
Head-to-head and recent history
The last meeting between these clubs took place on July 27, 2025 at the Alejandro Villanueva stadium and ended in a 1-1 draw. That result underscores the competitive balance often seen when these teams meet: tight margins, set-piece battles and moments of individual quality deciding the balance.
What’s at stake
For Alianza Lima, the match is about more than three points: it is an opportunity to arrest a wave of criticism, secure momentum in the domestic title race and offer a tangible response to the Libertadores exit. For Alianza Atlético, taking points from a heavyweight would inject confidence and set the tone for a disciplined Apertura campaign.
Expect a charged atmosphere in Trujillo and a contest shaped by tempo control in midfield, the finishing of key forwards and which side handles pressure better in the opening exchanges.
