Alianza Lima Seeks Upset at Morumbi Amid Injury Crisis

Alianza Lima will face Sao Paulo this Thursday at the iconic Morumbi Stadium for Matchday 2 of Group D in the 2025 Copa Libertadores. The Peruvian side arrives under pressure after losing 1-0 to Libertad in its opener, and will be missing several key players due to suspensions and injuries. According to Bolavip, Carlos Zambrano, Guillermo Enrique, Renzo Garcés, Pablo Ceppelini and Alan Cantero are all out for the clash.

Historically, Sao Paulo has dominated this fixture. The two teams met in the group stages of the 2004 and 2007 editions of the Libertadores, and the Brazilian giants won all four matches. This includes a 4-0 thrashing at Morumbi and a narrow 1-0 win in Lima. Alianza Lima has never taken a point off Sao Paulo and hasn't won a Libertadores match on Brazilian soil in 46 years.

Veteran striker Hernán Barcos will lead the line for the Blanquiazules, with Kevin Quevedo and Eryc Castillo providing support. Head coach Néstor Gorosito is expected to rely heavily on his midfield duo of Jesús Castillo and Pablo Lavandeira to control the tempo. Meanwhile, Sao Paulo, managed by Luis Zubeldía, is also missing some key names but remains a heavy favorite.

With both teams looking to solidify their place in the standings, the result could prove crucial in determining Group D’s eventual qualifiers.