Alianza Lima vs Athletico Paranaense Prediction: Opening Day Thriller in Peru

In the opening fixture of the Copa Libertadores group stage, Alianza Lima from Peru will take on Athletico-PR from Brazil at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in La Victoria District, Lima. This will be the first meeting between the two teams on an international field. Lima has been actively participating in the Peruvian Primera Division, whereas Athletico-PR is involved in all the action of Campeonato Paranaense. Continue reading to find out how the two sides have been playing lately and what the odds are for winning.

Going into the matchup, Alianza Lima is coming off a win against Cienciano (2-0), in which Franco Zanelatto scored back-to-back goals in the 46th and 51st minute of play. With a 4-3-3 formation, Alianza Lima will fancy its chances of scoring upfront. With the reasonable inclusion of Oswaldo Valenzuela, Pablo Miguez, Marco Rodriguez, Oscar Pinto, and Jorge del Castillo in the lineup, Alianza Lima will look to start the international tournament with a win. Alianza Lima has been in decent form lately, as they have managed to win 4 of the last 5 matches played. Moreover, they have been solid with their goal-scoring capabilities, averaging 1.6 goals in the last 5 matches played. Compared to the scoring average, Lima has only conceded 3 goals in the last 5 matches of the Peruvian Primera Division.

Carrying the unbeaten run forward in the group stage matches of Copa Libertadores, Athletico Paranaense will fancy its chances of scoring and keeping up with the winning form. In the leg 1 final of Campeonato Paranaense, Athletico-PR scored two important goals in the 72nd and 101st minute of play. Erick and Vitor Roque scored goals, giving their side an important lead in the final phase. In the last five appearances in Campeonato Paranaense, they have scored 14 goals, averaging 1.8 goals per game. With the presence of Vitor Bueno, David Terans, and Jose Ivaldo in the lineup, Athletico-PR can certainly stretch its winning form.

As this is the first official meeting between the two sides, the analysis can’t be presented on the basis of previous head-to-head matchups. Considering the gameplay of the two teams in their local tournaments, the upcoming matchup is likely to produce a total of over 2.5 goals, and both teams to score. I am backing the Peruvian side to win at home this time or secure a draw at least.

• Double Chance - Alianza Lima or Draw for 1.53
• Total Over 2.5 for 2.28
• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.95