Match setting and stakes
In a highly anticipated clash at the Estadio Mansiche in Trujillo, Universitario de Deportes defeated Alianza Atlético 0-2 on the 12th round of the Clausura 2025. The result reinforced Universitario’s status as the team to beat in the campaign, placing them firmly at the top of the standings as they chase what many see as a potential tricampeonato nacional.
Both teams lined up with different ambitions: Universitario sought to consolidate their advantage, while Alianza Atlético aimed to derail the title frontrunner. A large crowd gathered in Trujillo, filling the stands with a lively, if tense, atmosphere as the home side hoped to snatch a late-season boost. The match would prove to be a tale of two halves, with the decisive moments arriving after the break.
First half: a cautious start
The opening 45 minutes offered few clear scoring chances for both sides. Universitario pressed with intention on the ball, seeking to unlock a defense that was compact and organized. Alianza Atlético responded with discipline, stifling the visitors’ most dangerous forays and contesting second balls in the middle third. The pace was measured, and the tone suggested both teams understood the stakes—consequences that would become clearer in the second half.
Despite the lack of goals, Universitario showed patience, creating half-chances and testing the goalkeeper with long-range efforts and late-arriving runners. Alianza Atlético, for their part, remained compact behind the ball and looked to strike on the counter when opportunities presented themselves.
Second half: decisive moments seal the win
The game opened up after the break, and Universitario finally broke the deadlock at 69 minutes. A well-worked move culminated in a precise shot from in a tight angle, sending the ball into the far corner and beating the Alianza Atlético custodian. The goal sparked celebrations among Universitario’s fans and gave the team a spark they had been seeking since kick-off.
With the clock winding down and Alianza Atlético pressing to find an equalizer, Universitario sealed the result through a late counter. At 87 minutes, José Rivera found the back of the net to make it 0-2 and effectively end the contest. The Uruguay-born forward (in this context referring to José Rivera as the scorer) finished clinically, leaving the defense with no chance and securing a vital away win for Universitario.
Martín Pérez Guedes opens the scoring
To open the scoring, Martín Pérez Guedes delivered a composed strike from a difficult angle, curling the ball past the keeper. The finish demonstrated his quality in front of goal and underscored Universitario’s patience in build-up play as they probed for the breakthrough throughout the second half.
José Rivera clinches the victory
Rivera’s late strike sealed the deal, ensuring Universitario left Trujillo with a clean sheet and three more points. The goal capped a disciplined performance from the visitors, who managed the game well after taking the lead and absorbed minimal sustained pressure as Alianza Atlético pushed forward in search of a lifeline.
Impact on the Clausura standings
The win reinforced Universitario’s position at the top of the Clausura 2025 table, signaling their intent to push for the championship as the season progresses. For Alianza Atlético, the setback stings, but the team can take positives from a performance that, for long stretches, held the league leaders in check. As the Clausura 2025 unfolds, both sides will be looking to convert improvements into points in their upcoming fixtures.
What’s next for the teams
Universitario will aim to maintain momentum in their next clash, building on a performance that combined patience, structure, and decisive finishing. Alianza Atlético, meanwhile, will seek improvement in the final third and a quicker transition from defense to attack as they rotate to face new challenges in the Clausura 2025 schedule.
