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From that perspective, pressure affects each person differently. The difference lies in how it is managed; that is, making it feel less in both finals. Alianza Lima, for example, has players in their squad who know how to play this type of defining match. Most of their players competed in the finals of 2021 and 2022, in which they were crowned national champions twice. In that sense, they have an advantage over their rival. Angelo Campos, Pablo Miguez, Josepmir Ballón, and Hernán Barcos are experienced players and pillars of a team that knows how to think, decide, and perform in finals.
The pressure they carry on their shoulders is to achieve the three-peat, something that Alianza Lima has not accomplished since the 1930s. But even if they lose against 'U,' they are part of Alianza Lima's history, part of the squad that became national champions twice. That is a fact, and no one can take away what they have achieved. However, it is undeniable that they have the opportunity to further enhance their history. Becoming three-time champions against their classic rival is a unique opportunity to deliver a final blow and confirm Blanquiazul's dominance in recent years. The 'tri' is a dream, and this team knows how to play in a final.
On the other hand, Universitario faces a different kind of pressure, one that has been haunting them for nine years and they have failed to conquer once. The 'cremas' have not won a national title since 2013, and their last attempt was in 2020, the year of the pandemic when they were defeated in the final against Sporting Cristal. Since then, there have been no more approaches from the team currently managed by Jorge Fossati. Therefore, under this scenario, 'U' not only carries the burden of their title drought but also the silenced cry of their fans who want to celebrate another star.
And that situation also plays an important role in the final. It is true that historically Universitario is accustomed to playing finals, but they not only have to overcome their recent past, but they also have to defeat the current two-time champion if they want to become the new monarch of Peruvian football. That is the greatest challenge for 'U,' and as the traditional team they are, they are willing to fulfill it.
It is true that they have players with hierarchy in their squad, some who have been national champions, and others who know how to play in finals, but when they step onto the field, that becomes secondary. In football, the one who has more to lose is the one under more pressure. If 'U' fails in their attempt, they will experience the longest title drought in their history. And if they succeed, they will have ended that bad streak and will look at 2024 with a different perspective: aiming to become two-time champions in the year of their centenary.
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