Alliance Lima and the art of dealing with scandal: why was the tricampeonato put at risk?

It is true, Larriera and Salas have suffered from a worrying number of injured players that ultimately diminish the individual and collective performance of a squad that boasted at the beginning of the year of being the most organized in Peruvian football. High expectations end up betraying patience and calmness in the face of a team that is disproportionate in regards to its aspirations, performance, and image.

Alianza has been undefeated for more than a dozen matches, yes. But they have suffered in key duels such as against Melgar and now ADT at home.

This Alianza Lima, it must be said, depends on a 39-year-old player to score goals. With Pablo Sabbag injured and without any intention of promoting appearances from the younger players, Larriera's team only scores if Hernán Barcos wakes up relaxed and clear. It's a double-edged sword because it leaves the club on the brink of an epic or a disaster.

On the other hand, Bryan Reyna's inconsistency continues to be one of the most consistent characteristics of this team.

And of course, Cueva. The master of trickery seems to have lost that sensory memory that intimately linked him to the ball. The same memory that used to guide him, almost hand-in-hand, subtly and comfortably, through every diagonal, breakthrough, change of pace, or any other extravagance that allowed him to break defensive lines. Today, he highlights the lack of power, the low response of his muscles, and the disappearance of that short and explosive burst that would break through defenses. Today his football is discrete, minuscule, indifferent to what until recently made him an artisan of the cunning and epic game with the Peruvian national team.

Seven months after arriving at Alianza Lima, his physical and mental preseason is not over.

And Larriera?

He still hasn't been a coach with a convincing game plan. Even less so when playing at home, like in the last match at Matute, where he couldn't successfully reassess the situation against a demanding visitor in effort and tactical discipline.

We will see how he solves the crisis of the past weekend - where seven players were recorded at a private party after the 0-0 draw against ADT - and if he overcomes it with an eye on the finals.

The problem is not that they celebrate. It is also not a serious offense that they consume alcoholic beverages on their (night) off day. The complexity and danger of the actions of these seven players (including Carlos Zambrano, Christian Cueva, Bryan Reyna, the 'Rifle', and Pablo Sabbag) lies in the timing.

Going out partying hours after a result that puts the year's sporting goal at risk is not one of the most lucid decisions. Even worse if the protagonists are injured and in the process of rehabilitation.

The extracurricular does not end up being decisive, but it does influence. In the perception of the fans, in the team dynamics, and in the physical response to an injury.

Even worse if it is not the first time. Before Larriera; Salas and even before Bengoechea, they also had to deal with that other field where the fight for the title takes place, public opinion.

For now, Larriera's only way to save his head is by winning the triple crown. Then, he will possibly have to leave anyway. After all, the calculations at Alianza Lima with the Uruguayan were made for that: the championship.

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