One of the most traditional clubs in Peruvian football, Alianza Lima, celebrates today its 120 years of existence. However, despite this important date, the blanquiazules will celebrate in one of the most complicated moments in their history after being relegated to the Second Division and in their appeal to reverse this decision before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
On the occasion of its anniversary, the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium, the home of Alianza Lima in the historic district of La Victoria, was illuminated at night with the initials AL formed by the lights of one of its lighting towers, as shown in a video released by the club on social networks.
At the same time, in numerous neighborhoods of the Peruvian capital, fireworks were heard at midnight, launched by their fans to celebrate the commemoration despite the nocturnal curfew in effect in much of the country, severely affected by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
After the fiasco of the past campaign, the Alianza Lima leaders seek the CAS to annul the relegation to the second division in a lawsuit filed against the Peruvian Football Federation (PFF), organizer of the Liga 1 of Peru.
In their complaint, the 'íntimos' argue that the PFF should have deducted points from Carlos Stein for repeated non-payment to their players, just as it had done with other clubs throughout the season, which would have caused Stein's relegation to the detriment of Alianza.
However, the PFF only imposed an economic fine on the northern club, which was saved from relegation thanks to having one more point than Alianza Lima.
Despite the recent relegation to the Second Division, probably the worst episode in the history of the blanquiazul team occurred in 1987 when the plane carrying the team crashed, a tragic accident in which 43 people died, including 16 players and their coach Marcos Calderón.
Beyond those sad moments, the 'íntimos' treasure a long history of abundant successes and joys, as evidenced by their 23 national championships, the last of which was in 2017 under the guidance of Uruguayan coach Pablo Bengoechea.
In addition, they take pride in considering themselves the school from which some of the most talented players in Peruvian football have emerged, such as Alejandro Villanueva, Juan Valdivieso, Pedro 'Perico' León, Teófilo Cubillas, César Cueto, José Velásquez, Waldir Sáenz, and still active, Jefferson Farfán and Paolo Guerrero.
With information from Efe