"Reyna and Zanelatto, the key on Larriera's whiteboard to prevail at the Monumental."

Mauricio Larriera is not unaware of the power that Universitario has, he respects it and considers that under the technical direction of his counterpart Jorge Fossati, they have achieved a clear pattern of play. However, the coach of Alianza Lima, following closely his ideals for this decisive match, contemplates that his team takes the initiative. In that reading of the game that he considers essential for success, he thinks that it is crucial to exploit the speed of the wingers and the efficiency of the center forward. Without a doubt, the reference falls on the lethal trio composed of Bryan Reyna, Franco Zanelatto, and Hernán Barcos.

The coach of the blanquiazules, in pursuit of this goal, has been testing a starting eleven where Aldair Rodríguez played as a winger on the right. However, as the days went by and with daily work, he would opt for the verticality and aggressiveness offered by Franco Zanelatto in that area of the field. "El Bicho" recovered from the calf tear he suffered in the Peruvian national team during the match against Argentina for the 4th round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, where he had a positive performance that was recognized by the national and international critics.

Winning the battle on the wings against a rival like "La U" who usually dominates their game by exploiting them, is an objective that Alianza is determined to achieve in order to be closer to victory. However, it won't be easy. Jorge Fossati, the coach of the classic rival, uses the 3-5-2 system and his players execute it almost by memory. The challenge then for Franco Zanelatto and Bryan Reyna will be to become planes to get behind the defenders, venture through the middle with skill towards the area, and deliver crosses that will have to be taken advantage of by the most effective and highest-scoring player of the team, which is Barcos -who has scored 17 goals-. But this won't be the only mission for the wingers.

The defensive functioning also involves them, both are not exempt from it, because just as they will use their abilities to attack with pure speed, supported by their good physical condition, the wingers will also have to retreat when the team is attacked by the "crema" team in order to form another line of four in the middle of the field together with the two pivots who are captain Josepmir Ballón and Jesús Castillo. Order, speed, courage, and above all, a lot of intelligence, will have to be common for the better development of what Larriera plans in attack and defense to win.

The "íntimos" want to make the first move at the Monumental stadium, and then finish it at the Matute stadium, where a great celebration will take place. The team that has been practicing the plan and that would start the match is as follows: Campos; Peruzzi, Zambrano, Vílchez, Lagos; Ballón, Castillo; Zanelatto, Reyna, Concha; Barcos. Last night, they concentrated at the Matute facilities and this morning they will train on their field to finalize details. Christian Cueva was not called up due to a serious injury, and Cristian Benavente, due to a lack of rhythm. Larriera wants everyone in fullness to win in the first leg.

TICKETS SOLD OUT

A few days ago, Universitario announced that the tickets for the first leg of the final to be played tomorrow were sold out in record time. The loyal Alianza Lima fans, of course, did not want to lag behind. Yesterday, the La Victoria institution put on sale the tickets for the second leg scheduled for next Wednesday and they were sold out in just a matter of hours.

Matute will be packed with its nearly 30,000 seats occupied and, of course, the unwavering support of the fans is expected throughout the game. "The caldera ignites again! Up Alianza forever!", wrote the blanquiazul club on their social networks, announcing the total sellout of their fortress in view of the decisive match. The "12" grone is getting ready and hopes to see their love rewarded with a three-peat.

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