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Peru Falls to Chile on Final Play as Álex Valera Returns, Emerges as Locker-Room Voice

Valera says a long-managing discomfort, not an injury, limited his preparation.

Overview

  • Peru opened its interim-led phase with a 2-1 defeat to Chile decided on the last play.
  • Álex Valera made his first national-team appearance in nearly a year, coming on as a second-half substitute.
  • Interim coach Manuel Barreto said Valera and Santamaría addressed teammates in the locker room to lift morale and highlight the group's effort.
  • Valera had been a pre-match doubt after not completing the final training session due to physical discomfort reported over recent months.
  • He explained his limited minutes were due to reduced training during the week rather than an active injury.