Four compelling reasons why Alianza can beat the ‘U’ in the first classic of the year

The slogan is very clear in Matute: this classic has a taste of revenge, it does not matter if eight of the starters are going to experience an Alianza-U for the first time, including coach Alejandro Restrepo, or if it is only the third date of the contest. Nothing matters more than beating the cream cast in the year of its centenary.

Are there reasons to be excited? Of course! The intimates, with two consecutive wins, have arguments to believe that the three points will stay at home, like the last time they played at the Nacional: 2021, a year still in the COVID-19 pandemic, and ended with a 2-2 win. -1.

1. A new proposal that may surprise

The 3-5-2 imposed by the Colombian coach is becoming more and more established. A system in which Alianza feels comfortable:

The physical power of the Panamanian Jiovany Ramosthe vision and precision in the Argentine’s long passes Juan Pablo Freytes and now the clean output it should give Renzo Garces (I would enter instead of Aldair Fuentes in the libero position) is one of the keys to the blue and white’s good moment. Although, of course, there are still some mistakes that Ramos makes at the start, something that should not happen against the U.

And although the rival maintains its team base, Alianza is the one that best shows itself in the 3-5-2, the same system that Fabián Bustos will use with Ate’s team. Restrepo managed to give stability to a very intense and physical team to press high or score in the midfield.

2. Solid midfield

Let’s start from a premise that will affect the fight to win the midfield: Rodrigo Urena, the best player of the ‘U’ is suspended for one date after being sent off against Grau. In that sense, beyond the fact that Jorge Murrugarra is a good replacement,

The Argentine is the voice of command: if he comes out to press, the team does too. If he waits, the others follow. To the right of him, Catriel Cabellos He has shown a lot of dynamism and sacrifice, something that Jairo Concha and Christopher Gonzales, at the U, have not done. The two will be the key to cutting off the game against the rival that is born at the feet of the two mentioned.

The position of Sebastian Rodriguez It will also be a key factor. Against Vallejo and in the first half against Alianza Atlético, the ’10’ played very far back, almost at the height of the three centre-backs. The reason? Be the first pass. With the possible inclusion of Garcés, Rodríguez should position himself higher, in an area where his influence is more beneficial for his intimates: this is how his great goal last date was born behind a wall with Jhamir D’Arrigo.

3. The nines duel is being won by Waterman

The flashes will be on the two foreign forwards that the teams signed for this season: Cecilio Waterman in Alianza and Diego Dorregaray in Universitario. Two bets from both clubs. And in the duel, the Panamanian has shown himself to be better: he has two goals in the two matches played with the intimates, while the Argentine only scored once.

waterman He needed two shots on goal to score twice. He also had shots that were blocked by rivals or went far from goal. That is to say, beyond his diagonals and his constant fight, the ‘9’ manages to find the goal. Furthermore, he understands well with Hernán Barcos.

DorregarayFor his part, he has only shot on goal once in his two games and it was in the penalty he took against Mannucci. He needs to be fed inside the box and when he is not in that context, he suffers. Perhaps that is why the cream club sought to reduce the sanction for Alex Valera, a more mobile forward.

4. Best bench

If the game gets complicated, Alejandro Restrepo has the security to look towards his substitute side. Jhamir D’Arrigo and his power on the right wing has proven to be a good change for Lagos, he could even be a starter. They are also Gabriel Costa, Franco Zanelatto and Aldair Fuenteswho can be a center back or a midfielder who can reach the rival goal to take advantage of his 92 meter height.