Copa Libertadores Preview: Alianza Lima vs Boca Juniors
The opening matchday of the Copa Libertadores’ women’s group stage pits two familiar names against each other in a battle for continental momentum. Boca Juniors arrive as the more proven force in South American women’s football, while Alianza Lima come into the tournament riding strong domestic form and a clear plan to upset the odds. Played at the Estadio Nuevo Francisco Urbano, the encounter promises a tactical duel as both sides look to translate domestic success into the big stage of the Libertadores.
The game is unfolding in a way that will likely frustrate fans of high-scoring football. Early exchanges have been described as fiercely competitive with “no house in the box” and no clear-cut chances, making it a test of organization, discipline, and counter-attacking efficiency. Across the pitch, the midfield will be the chessboard where the tempo and momentum swing, and the team that seizes control will set the tempo for the rest of the match.
Teams at a Glance
Boca Juniors
Boca arrives with a lineup brimming with talent and a mandate to prove that domestic success translates into continental glory. Known in Peru and Argentina as the “Gladiadoras,” they sit near the top of the Liga Argentina and bring a blend of attacking threat and defensive solidity. Key players include goalkeeper Laurina Oliveros, and midfield or attacking anchors like Julieta Cruz and Andrea Ojeda. The club has added fresh faces aimed at strengthening a squad that has its sights set on the Libertadores title this season.
Alianza Lima
Alianza Lima enters the Libertadores with momentum from securing the Apertura title and maintaining leadership in the Clausura of the 2025 season. Led by coach José Letelier, the team has targeted a deep run, aiming to surpass their 2021 quarterfinal appearance. The squad features experienced figures such as Adriana Lúcar, Sandy Dorador, and Annaysa Silva, along with overseas reinforcements Diana Borges and Karol Lins who lend pace and goal threat. The Peruvian side knows this group is one of the fiercest in the competition, sometimes nicknamed the “group of death” alongside Ferroviária and ADIFFEM, making every point hard-won.
Tactical Outlook
Early in the match, neither side has dominated in the opponent’s box, suggesting a tight, midfield-driven battle. Alianza Lima’s compact defensive organization serves as a platform for counter-attacks, while Boca’s more expansive build-up and front-foot pressing aim to unlock a resilient Peruvian defense. The tactical plan for Alianza is to absorb pressure and exploit transitional moments, while Boca will look to exploit wide areas and set-piece opportunities as a route to goal. The outcome will hinge on discipline, quick transitions, and which team can impose tempo without losing shape.
Kickoff, Channels, and Scheduling
The match is scheduled for Thursday, October 2, with kickoff times varying by region. In Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, action starts at 2:00 p.m. local time. Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay will see a 4:00 p.m. start, while Venezuela, Chile, and Bolivia kick off at 3:00 p.m. Mexico fans see 1:00 p.m., and Spain at 9:00 p.m. Local fans can watch the game on Pluto TV, which has exclusive rights for Latin America. Those unable to attend can follow live minute-by-minute coverage on Depor’s website, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the Libertadores action.
What This Means for Fans and the Group
For Boca, this match is an opportunity to reinforce their status as heavyweights who can translate domestic form into continental success. For Alianza Lima, it is a chance to prove that their domestic triumphs have prepared them for an international stage and to push toward a historic result against a team with more experience in the competition. The group is often referred to as one of the toughest in the Libertadores, featuring clubs with a proven track record of success in South America, and the result here could set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
Quotes and Team Mindset
Sisy Quiroz, head of women’s football at Alianza Lima, spoke about the team’s ambitions: “Our objective is to reach the highest stages possible. We want to raise the Alianza Lima shield as high as we can, and we are working toward that.” Her words underscore a club determined to maximize their Libertadores exposure and push the boundaries of Peruvian women’s football on a grand stage.
A Look Ahead
With Boca’s pedigree and Alianza Lima’s recent domestic form, expectations are high for a tight, competitive 90 minutes that could set the tone for the group. Whether the match unfolds as a tactical chess match or erupts into a dramatic sprint, fans will be treated to a Libertadores spectacle that highlights the growth and rising quality of women’s football in South America. For supporters, the best way to stay informed is to follow Pluto TV’s broadcast and Depor’s minute-by-minute updates as the action unfolds.
