Overview
- The first leg is scheduled for Thursday, September 18 at Estadio Alejandro Villanueva, kicking off at 7:30 p.m. in Peru, with ESPN broadcasting and Disney Plus streaming the match.
- Upon arrival, Gustavo Álvarez called the tie complicated, praised Alianza Lima’s strong domestic and international form, and said his team must play well to win.
- Midfielder Sebastián 'Bigote' Rodríguez, formerly of Alianza Lima, said he was happy to return to Peru and described the game as tough.
- Local reporting on the traveling squad noted three absences for Universidad de Chile: Nicolás Ramírez, Lucas Di Yorio and Israel Poblete.
- Chilean media said Álvarez has a release clause that is around $1 million, and the coach emphasized he is fully focused on Universidad de Chile.