If there was someone missing to mark in the Alejandro Villan Stadium to seal the party against Academia Cantolao, it was Hernán Barcos. The Argentine forward looked for it since he came in - replacing Pablo Sabbag in minute 51 - and at the end of the match, he got what he wanted by scoring a great goal for Alianza Lima's 3-0, which allows them to take the lead in the Torneo Apertura 2023 and focus on the Copa Libertadores.
In injury time (90+3'), Aldair Rodríguez dribbled down the right and won a corner for the 'blanquiazules'. Right away, 'Richi' Lagos took the corner and sent the ball near the penalty spot for one of his teammates to surprise the 'Delfín' defenders.
With a bad clearance from the 'chalacos', the 'Pirate' found the ball and showed all his skill to beat Christian Limousin. With this goal, the 39-year-old striker revived his romance with the nets, as his last goal had been in the victory against Sport Boys at the start of the championship.
Alianza Lima vs. Cantolao: what's next
After this match of the 12th round of the Torneo Apertura, Alianza Lima will play again next week when they visit Libertad for Matchday 2 of Group G in the Copa Libertadores 2023. This match is scheduled for Thursday, April 20th at 9:00 p.m. and will be played at the Tigo La Huerta Stadium in Asunción.
Qualifying for the next round of the continental tournament is one of the main objectives set by the 'blanquiazul' board at the beginning of this season, so it will be crucial for them to steal points in Paraguayan territory. Remember that Atlético Mineiro and Athletico Paranaense are the other two clubs that share the group with the 'Íntimos'.
Cantolao, on the other hand, will also have activity next week when they host Carlos A. Mannucci at the Iván Elías Moreno Stadium. The match, valid for Matchday 13 of the Apertura, will be played on Saturday, April 22nd at 1:00 p.m. and will be of utmost importance for the 'Delfín', as they are fighting in the bottom positions of the championship.
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