Alianza Lima has a golden opportunity to secure the Apertura Tournament 2023 when they face FBC Melgar on Friday, May 19th, at the Monumental Stadium of the UNSA at 6:30 pm, local time.
Even in the best case scenario, they could secure the title if Universitario doesn't win against César Vallejo later, so hopes are high to see Guillermo Salas' team get the three points and finish this tournament once and for all.
However, they will face a rival in need of earning points to avoid relegation, and they usually get good results against Alianza Lima at home. That's why it will be difficult for the team to achieve their goal, but not impossible.
Melgar and their superiority over Alianza Lima in Arequipa
The red and black team and the white and blue team have played 66 matches in the 'White City', in which Melgar has won 34 times, twice as many victories as Alianza (17 wins), and 15 matches ended in draws. This negative statistic is what Alianza hopes will not affect them on Friday.
Melgar vs Alianza Lima: recent matches in Arequipa
Of the previous five matches, FBC Melgar has won three times, there was one draw, and one victory for Alianza in 2019, which was their last win at the 'Dominó' team's stadium.
- Melgar 1-0 Alianza Lima | 9/11/2022 | Final Liga 1
- Melgar 1-0 Alianza Lima | 12/05/2022 | Torneo Apertura
- Melgar 2-3 Alianza Lima | 27/10/2019 | Torneo Clausura
- Melgar 2-2 Alianza Lima | 06/12/2018 | Semifinal Liga 1
- Melgar 2-0 Alianza Lima | 25/07/2018 | Torneo Apertura
Melgar won the last match against Alianza Lima in Arequipa. Photo: Liga de Fútbol Profesional
Alianza Lima and the absences they will have against Melgar
Not all news is good for the club. In the last hours, it was revealed that they won't be able to count on seven players for this important match. Carlos Zambrano, Andrés Andrade, Bryan Reyna, Ricardo Lagos, Josepmir Ballón (all for technical decision), Gino Peruzzi (accumulated yellow cards), and Ángelo Campos (injured) will stay in Lima and will not play against Melgar.