Pablo Guede

The Pursuit of a Statistical Milestone

For Alianza Lima, the Torneo Apertura title is already in the trophy cabinet, but the final matchday represents a rare opportunity to etch their name into the record books. A victory in Cajamarca would propel the club to 42 points over 17 matches. This would establish the highest points average ever achieved in a short tournament—either Apertura or Clausura—since the Peruvian football system implemented this specific format. This pursuit of a record transforms a potentially ceremonial final game into a high-stakes mission. While the pressure of the title race has evaporated, the internal drive to finish the tournament with a historic mark provides a necessary competitive edge. It ensures that the “Blanquiazules” arrive in Cajamarca not as tourists, but as a team looking to maximize their dominance before transitioning their focus to the overall cumulative table.

Coaching Absences and Squad Rotations

The tactical leadership for this encounter shifts unexpectedly. Head coach Pablo Guede will not be on the sidelines due to health and personal reasons, leaving assistant Bryan Angulo to steer the ship. Despite the change in command, Alianza is not treating this as a secondary fixture; the club has opted to bring its strongest available personnel to the altitude of Cajamarca. The squad depth is slightly tested by key absences. Bolivian goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra is away on international duty with his national team, and defender Luis Ramos remains sidelined during his recovery process. According to the list of called-up players, the club has leaned on a robust group of midfielders including Esteban Pavez and Jesús Castillo to maintain control of the pitch. There is a particular narrative surrounding Federico Girotti. The Argentine striker has struggled to find consistent form throughout the Apertura, yet he retains the full confidence of the technical staff. A possible starting eleven suggests Girotti may get the nod to start, viewing this match as a redemption opportunity and a springboard for the upcoming Clausura.

The Stakes for FC Cajamarca and the Barcos Factor

While Alianza Lima plays for history, FC Cajamarca plays for survival. The local side enters this match with the urgency of a team that cannot afford a slip-up if they wish to avoid complications with relegation. For them, the Estadio Héroes de San Ramón is more than a home ground today; it is a fortress where they must secure three points to stabilize their position in the league. Central to their hopes is the veteran presence of Hernán Barcos. The striker, known as “El Pirata,” is the focal point of the attack, though his future with the club is a subject of intense speculation. Reports suggest this could be Barcos’ final appearance for the Cajamarca side, with a move to Sporting Cristal appearing imminent. Despite the transfer noise, the FC Cajamarca coach confirmed his presence for the match, noting the gradual progression of the player’s fitness. “It’s fine, I think with us it went from less to more as well, we talk about that every day because we almost always mark the numbers during the weeks and mainly after the matches. We are always communicating with Hernán about his physical condition. Yes, of course, his presence is confirmed.” FC Cajamarca Coach

Tactical Clash and Recent Momentum

The statistical contrast between the two sides highlights a clash of momentum. Alianza Lima arrives in peak form, coming off a dominant 3-0 victory over Los Chankas. Their recent form is formidable, boasting three wins and one draw in their last four outings, while conceding only two goals in that span. FC Cajamarca, conversely, has been more volatile. While they have secured three wins in their last four matches, they are coming off a 1-1 draw with Alianza Atlético. Their defensive record is significantly leakier than Alianza’s, having conceded seven goals in their last four games. To mitigate the risks of playing at altitude, Alianza has historically utilized a five-man defensive line in similar conditions, prioritizing tactical order and rapid transitions. If they can stifle the influence of Barcos and exploit the gaps in Cajamarca’s defense, the path to a record-breaking 42 points is clear. The match kicks off at 13:15 local time, with national coverage provided by L1 Max and digital streaming via the Liga 1 Play application. For Alianza, it is a victory lap with a statistical goal; for Cajamarca, it is a battle for the very right to remain competitive.