Can Cueva surprise in the finals against Universitario or is he already a lost cause?

• How much does Alianza depend on Barcos to win and what needs to be corrected thinking about ‘U’?

The recent past of 'Aladino' confirms that he has not been able to maintain consistency in Alianza Lima. The knee injury has to do with that poor performance, but it is not the only factor that contributes to the game that he shows on the field today. Christian has not been able to bring that enormous sports reputation he has to the field, and as such, his numbers border on inefficiency: zero goals and one assist in 27 games this season reflect Cueva's debt to himself. He was the star signing of the Peruvian bicampeon and ended up, so far, as a reinforcement that never shone.

Due to his current situation and the little time there is for recovery, it is most likely that Cueva will not arrive in his best version for the national title match against Universitario. The first leg final will be played on Saturday, November 4th and, under that scenario, his chances of shining again are reduced. In addition, the injury limits him in such a way that it is difficult for him to perform some exercises; but it is a fact that he will be present in both finals, especially as the replacement piece that he has been for Larriera in the last Clausura matches.

While the finals may be Christian's last two games with Alianza Lima, in his career, he has shown that he is capable of appearing in decisive instances with a little talent. And he has to appeal to that to make a difference, especially when fans are still expecting more from him. In addition, the renewal of his loan for next year is at stake. 'Aladino' wants to stay in Matute, but he recognizes that his season was not the best, and that weighs in the overall balance. His only possibility is to transcend in the clashes against Universitario and try the miracle, with a decisive goal or an extraordinary event. It depends on him.

Cueva has been that headache that Alianza Lima never expected. He believed that without being at one hundred percent, it would be enough for him in the local tournament, but reality showed him otherwise, and he himself created a kind of toxic relationship with the fans. There is no other ideal scenario for Christian than to see himself carrying the tricampeon cup with the blanquiazules. That would overshadow to a large extent the irregular campaign he had this year; but if it comes to dreaming, a goal of his own and the renewal would fit him like a glove.

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