Alianza Lima, with Erick Castillo and Fernando Gaibor, eliminated from Copa Libertadores by debutant 2 de Mayo
Alianza Lima has been eliminated from the Copa Libertadores by Paraguay's 2 de Mayo after a 1-1 draw, following a loss in the first leg.
On Wednesday, Paraguayan team 2 de Mayo advanced to the second phase of the Copa Libertadores in its first-ever participation, eliminating Peru's Alianza Lima after a 1-1 draw in their second leg match. Despite Alianza Lima attempting to rally back, they had previously lost the first leg and thus failed to progress further in the tournament. The match featured significant moments, including a missed penalty by Alianza Lima's Erick Castillo that could have shifted the game's momentum in their favor.
During the first half, 2 de Mayo controlled 57% possession and created early scoring opportunities, particularly a chance in the 16th minute. Alianza Lima, however, had a significant opportunity to score when a handball led to a penalty decision, but Castillo's miss on the spot-kick proved costly. Tensions rose in the game as 2 de Mayo managed to keep the pressure on Alianza Lima, culminating in a pivotal moment that saw Alianza Lima's players intensifying their efforts to equalize.
The second half saw an increase in urgency from both teams, with AdvΓncula scoring first for Alianza Lima, which reignited hopes for the Peruvian side. However, despite the efforts and a notable performance from key players like Castillo, the team ultimately could not recover from the earlier deficit. This outcome reflects a disappointing end for Alianza Lima at an early stage of the prestigious tournament, while 2 de Mayo celebrated their significant achievement as a debutant side making history in the Copa Libertadores.