Alianza Lima made their home ground count and defeated a tough Universitario 1-0 in the first final of the 2023 Women's League at a packed Alejandro Villanueva Stadium.
YOU CAN SEE: Universitario or Alianza? The most successful club in women's football in Peru.
This result gives them a narrow but important advantage heading into the second leg, where they could secure the title in their arch-rival's stadium. However, Sandy Dorador downplays the importance of celebrating at Estadio Monumental and only focuses on one thing, the coveted three-peat.
"We don't think about wanting to celebrate at Monumental, our goal is to become champions and that's the first thing we've set out to do. We've already taken the first important step. Now, the second leg is over there, we just want to win and take home the three-peat, which we've worked for all year," she said after the final whistle.
Video: Ovación
Dorador returns to the field in the final
The 33-year-old forward is one of the most important players for Alianza Lima Femenino, but she couldn't play in the previous matches due to a right ankle sprain, so she only managed to return to the field in the final. She confessed that it was difficult to step onto the field, but she did it with conviction and believes she performed well.
"It's difficult, coming back from almost a month-long break. Stepping into such a strong match is complicated, but I think I entered well, found my rhythm, and the important thing is that the three points stayed at home," she said.
Universitario vs. Alianza Lima: When is the second final?
Alianza Lima and Universitario will play the rematch of the 2023 Women's League final on Saturday, September 2nd at 19:00 hours at Estadio Monumental. The 'íntimas' only need a draw to lift the champion's trophy for the third consecutive time.