Although Mariano Soso's approach had led Melgar to be more comfortable at the Monumental stadium of the UNSA, Alianza Lima had suffered very few goal situations near Franco Saravia's goal. However, in the last minute of the first half, a stroke of genius by Tomás Martínez allowed Pablo Magnín to score the 1-0 partial in Arequipa territory.
The Argentine midfielder has been the best player for 'Dominó' so far this season despite the team's poor collective performance, and today he proves it again in a high-voltage match. When he received the ball open on the left wing, he temporized and applied all his skill to deceive Santiago García.
After leaving the defender of Alianza Lima behind, the 28-year-old midfielder saw Magnín in the area and did not hesitate to assist him. When faced with Franco Saravia, the Argentine forward delicately touched the ball to beat the 'blanquiazul' goal and score his third goal in the Apertura Tournament.
Alianza Lima vs. Melgar: What's coming
After this match for matchday 16 of the Apertura Tournament, Alianza Lima will play again next week when they host Libertad from Paraguay for matchday 4 of Group G of the Copa Libertadores. This match is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23, starting at 9:00 p.m. and will be played at the Alejandro Villanueva stadium.
Guillermo Salas is aware of the importance of the match against 'Gumarelo', which is why he decided to keep some names and not take them to Arequipa for the match against Melgar. The 'Íntimos' have the obligation to win if they want to be closer and closer to the round of 16 of the continental tournament.
On the other hand, Melgar will also have to focus on their international participation, as they will play again next week when they host Atlético Nacional for matchday 4 of Group H of the Copa Libertadores. This match is scheduled for Wednesday, May 24, starting at 9:00 p.m. and will take place at the Monumental stadium of the UNSA.
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