Overview
- Alan Cantero put Alianza ahead before Matías Abaldo and Santiago Montiel completed Independiente’s comeback in Montevideo in the Serie Río de la Plata.
- Pablo Guede rolled out an experimental setup with role changes, pairing Paolo Guerrero with debutant Federico Girotti, who operated wider than his usual No. 9 role.
- Guede downplayed the defeat, stressing defensive work and player assessment after heavy training loads, and indicated the Guerrero–Girotti pairing could vary by opponent.
- New goalkeeper Alejandro Duarte made his debut and conceded twice, 16-year-old Geray Motta earned praise for his cameo, and Carlos Zambrano had a heated on-field exchange with Ignacio Pussetto that stopped short of a fight.
- Luis Advíncula completed his signing and joined preseason activities but did not play, with Alianza now turning to friendlies against Unión de Santa Fe on January 14 and Colo Colo on January 18 ahead of the January 24 presentation versus Inter Miami.