By: Luis Imaña
With the illusion of getting the three points against Universitario, Cristian Benavente is mentally preparing for tomorrow's classic, where Alianza Lima will try to leave behind that bitter draw against UTC in Cajamarca to get on the right track in the Clausura Tournament.
The 'Chaval' wants to repeat the great memory of the 4-1 victory obtained in the Monumental during the Apertura, but with the difference that he will be part of Carlos Bustos' starting eleven.
Considered as one of the vital players in the blanquiazul team, Benavente is excited about this important match with the hope of leaving his mark on the scoreboard and returning to scoring after four consecutive games without a goal.
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"We are eager to play the match, it is an important duel and we will try to win it as always," said the '14' of Alianza Lima after finishing the training session.
Although Alianza is considered the favorite for the classic, the Spanish-born player does not underestimate the crema team and highlighted the qualities of his upcoming opponent, who comes from defeating Ayacucho FC.
"It is a good team that also comes with a victory. The classic will be an important match against an important rival, I think everything will be difficult," said the "Chaval".
While one of his desires is to score against "U" in Matute, in front of all the blanquiazul fans, Cristian's main priority is to contribute whatever is necessary to the team so that they can celebrate the victory at the end of the ninety minutes. "I already played in the first leg match and I'm eager to help the team get the three points," he assured.
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Speak the 'Capi'
On the other hand, Josepmir Ballón, captain of Alianza, is optimistic about defeating the crema team with the support of all their fans. "We know that it is an important rival, but we will be at our home, with our people and with high expectations for what we are looking for," said the 34-year-old midfielder in a press conference.
With all the experience backing him up, he considered that the team must focus on themselves and not on the opponent. "Instead of worrying about them, we have to focus on doing things well ourselves, both defensively and offensively," he added, highlighting the presence of the Alianza fans in every match played throughout the year. "I appreciate the support they have been giving us since the beginning of the year. We hope to give them joy this weekend. It is important that they continue to support us game by game in our home. Total gratitude to them," concluded the 'Capi', who is preparing for one of the most anticipated matches of the season.
Meanwhile, at 'U' they remain silent and the current novelty is that they already have the keys to the first stage of their High Performance Center located in VIDU for their lower divisions and women's football.
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The figures
31 thousand people will fill Matute for the game between Alianza and "U".
16% of Alianza Lima's goals have been scored by Cristian Benavente in the Liga 1.