Alianza Lima has already achieved the first pending objective: to become the national champion in 2017 and thus end a negative streak of 11 years without being able to achieve it. The second objective of Pablo Bengoechea is now much more complicated but not unfamiliar: to sustain success against higher-ranked opponents and in a tournament where they are also in debt: the 2018 Copa Libertadores.
Reinforce the attack
Alianza Lima won the championship with one of the poorest forward lines of the year. That is noteworthy, but it also highlights the need for renewal. Lionard Pajoy, with 6 goals in the year and a streak of 16 games without scoring, seems to have completed his cycle. Yes, he did a great collective job, but the task of a scorer is to score goals and Alianza Lima needs one. Local market? There are good options like Alexander Succar, Cristian Bogado, and even Danilo Carando.
Gabriel Leyes, the hero against Comerciantes Unidos in Alianza Lima, would have one more year of contract, so a considerable improvement will have to be expected. His scoring record betrays him.
Reinforce the wings
Alianza Lima was the most consistent team of the season. It ended with the best numbers and that is undeniable. However, Pablo Bengoechea struggled a lot to find fullbacks who could establish themselves. A fundamental position for the Libertadores. There is talk of Rodrigo Cuba, a player who has already been in the blanquiazul shop.
Maintain the spine
Alianza Lima was one of the teams that rotated the most during the year. Pablo Bengoechea knew how to dose the performance of his stars, however, there are players who are key: Leao Butrón, Miguel Araujo, Luis Aguiar, Gonzalo Godoy, and even Germán Pacheco, who was decisive in several games.