Alianza Atlético secured a 3:2 victory over UTC in the Clausura round of eight at the Estadio Campeones del 36 on Thursday evening. The result keeps the hosts eighth in the table while UTC remain rooted in 18th place. Both sides had met in August, drawing 1:1 away from home for the visitors.
Hernan Lupu opened the scoring in the second minute, but his effort was cancelled by VAR at the 24th minute. Cristian Penilla restored Alianza's lead just five minutes later before Manuel Ganoza pulled UTC level on the hour mark. By then, the match had already shifted momentum twice.
Luis Arce gave the hosts a two-goal cushion in the 59th minute, and it looked as though the contest was settling into a comfortable rhythm. UTC refused to let the game slip away, and Ariel Muñoz found the net in the 96th minute to complete the comeback. The away side had talked themselves back into contention after being left flat-footed.
The statistics tell a story of efficiency over dominance. Alianza controlled 57 per cent of possession and registered 17 shots on target, yet UTC converted their limited chances with better precision. The visitors managed only three shots on target but scored twice, while the hosts hit the woodwork and hit the post without adding to their tally after the opener.
We had backed the hosts to win this fixture, and the result vindicated that call. The confidence came from Alianza's home form, which included a 4:1 victory over Mokegua and three wins in five games. UTC's away record told a different tale, with only four victories from 24 matches away from home.
The result leaves Alianza 19 points clear of UTC in the standings. The home side sit on 34 points after 24 games, while the visitors have managed just 15. That gap is unlikely to close, and UTC will need a significant turnaround to avoid the drop.
