Alianza — Inca Aruba: 1:1, Primera Division

Alianza and Inca Aruba played out a 1-1 draw in the Apertura round 12 of the Primera División on Sunday evening. The hosts took the lead before half-time through J. Portillo, but Inca Aruba levelled later on when J. Delgado found the net. It was a result that left both sides feeling they deserved more.

Portillo gave Alianza the lead in the 38th minute, a moment that stretched the back line before the finish. Then came the penalty in the 45th minute plus 15 — missed, and by then the half was already slipping away. Inca Aruba were staring at the drop after that miss, but they clawed their way back into the game. Delgado ended a barren spell in the 78th minute, and the decision to push forward paid off.

Alianza had 54 per cent possession and 106 attacks, but only two shots on target. Inca Aruba edged the total attacks at 114 with 46 per cent possession. Shots off target ran at six for the hosts against four for the visitors, while both sides saw one yellow card. A straight knockout would have suited neither side, and the numbers suggest chances went begging for both.

Alianza sit seventh with 13 points from nine games, three wins and four draws. Inca Aruba sit tenth with 11 points from 11 matches, having lost six times this season. The draw keeps Alianza within touching distance of the top half, while Inca Aruba remain further adrift.

We had backed the home side at 59 per cent confidence, but the match went another way. The missed penalty shifted the momentum, and to be fair, Inca Aruba's response showed they still fancy their chances. The goal difference remains level at this stage, and the table won't move much from one result.