Alianza Lima vs Fluminense Prediction: Fluminense begins the defense of its title in Peru

Fluminense, the Copa Libertadores holder, travels to the Peruvian capital, Lima, for the opening round of Group A. Alianza, in theory, is an accessible opponent for a defending champion who is not yet at the desired level. The Peruvians have taken part in the last five editions of the Copa Libertadores but have always finished bottom of their group. The other two teams in Group A are Colo-Colo from Chile and Cerro Porteño from Paraguay.

The Blue and Whites have always shown weakness in the Copa Libertadores and, as we said earlier, have finished bottom of their group for the last five years. Alianza will be looking to finish in third place, a position that grants them access to the Copa Sudamericana, which would be an improvement for the team from Lima. No Peruvian club has ever won the Copa Libertadores. The best performances were by Universitario and Sporting Cristal, who made it to the final. Against Fluminense, any point for Alianza will be welcome.

Last season, the Tricolor won its first Copa Libertadores in history. Playing at home at the Maracanã, Fluminense beat Boca Juniors in extra time in a game that will be forever memorable for its fans. This year, the Cariocas have been struggling to reach a high level. If they won the Recopa Sudamericana against Liga de Quito, they also lost the Campeonato Carioca to Flamengo. In the three games played against its rival in a three-week window, Fluminense has failed to score a goal, which has left its supporters worried about next season. With ten days to go until the Brasileirão kicks off, a victory in Lima could give Fernando Diniz's squad some confidence.

Fluminense is the favorite for this Group A match. Alianza Lima has been among the weakest teams in the competition every year, and it would be a big surprise to do well against the Copa Libertadores champion. The Brazilians haven't been performing well recently, but they can get to Lima and win the match, so I'm betting on Fluminense to triumph.