Alianza Lima vs Sporting Cristal Prediction, Match Preview, Sunday, 7 December

Alianza Lima vs Sporting Cristal Prediction, Match Preview, Sunday, 7 December. This highly anticipated clash in the Primera División features two of Peru’s most storied clubs. Alianza Lima, celebrated for their passionate fanbase and rich history, will aim to assert their dominance against Sporting Cristal, a team renowned for their attacking prowess and tactical discipline.

Although the venue details are yet to be confirmed, the significance of this match cannot be overstated. Both teams are competing for top positions in the league, making this encounter crucial for their title ambitions. With Alianza Lima’s strong home record and Sporting Cristal’s impressive away performances, fans can expect a thrilling contest that could have a major impact on the league standings.

Alianza Lima vs Sporting Cristal Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Sporting Cristal to Win	4.75

Sporting Cristal arrive in strong form, having remained unbeaten in their last five matches. Given their attacking momentum and defensive solidity, backing Sporting Cristal to win is a sound option.

• Sporting Cristal have superior form with four wins and one draw in their last five matches.
• Alianza Lima will be missing Juan Delgado, a key forward, which could hinder their attacking options.
• Sporting Cristal’s recent clean sheets highlight their defensive strength, giving them an edge in this closely contested matchup.

Betting Odds

Alianza Lima step onto their home turf as favourites, with betting odds of 1.65 reflecting their strong position in the Primera División. Sporting Cristal, however, should not be underestimated, priced at 4.75, which could appeal to those seeking an upset.

Betting Tip	Odds
Back Alianza Lima	1.65
Go for a Draw	3.63
Back Sporting Cristal	4.75

The draw is priced at 3.63, indicating a competitive match where both sides have a fair chance of sharing the spoils. With Alianza Lima’s home advantage and Sporting Cristal’s potential for a surprise, punters have intriguing options to consider.

Alianza Lima Analysis & Past Performance

Alianza Lima have demonstrated solid form recently, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches with three wins and two draws. Notably, their recent results include a decisive 3-0 victory over CD UT Cajamarca and a 2-2 draw with FBC Melgar.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sporting Cristal	Alianza Lima	1 – 1 (Draw)	Final Stage	3 Dec 2025
Alianza Lima	CD UT Cajamarca	3 – 0 (Win)	Primera Division Clausura	23 Nov 2025
Los Chankas	Alianza Lima	1 – 2 (Win)	Primera Division Clausura	5 Nov 2025
Alianza Lima	FBC Melgar	2 – 2 (Draw)	Primera Division Clausura	1 Nov 2025
Sport Huancayo	Alianza Lima	1 – 2 (Win)	Primera Division Clausura	20 Oct 2025

Recent Form:

• DWWDW

Across their last five games, Alianza Lima have averaged 2.00 goals per match while conceding 1.00, reflecting a robust attacking presence but a slightly vulnerable defence. They have scored in every game during this period, with Hernán Barcos a key contributor in attack. Defensively, they’ve managed one clean sheet, highlighting some room for improvement in maintaining defensive solidity.

Alianza Lima Suspensions & Injuries

Alianza Lima face a minor setback with the injury to Juan Delgado, who is sidelined due to a broken nose with an uncertain return date. While Delgado is not a regular starter, his absence slightly reduces depth in defensive options. This could prompt coach Néstor Gorosito to rely more on his starting defenders, such as Guillermo Enrique and Renzo Garcés, who have been consistent in recent matches.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Juan Delgado	Broken nose	Unknown

With the rest of the squad available, Alianza Lima can maintain their usual tactical setup, relying on the likes of Fernando Gaibor and José Paolo Guerrero to drive the attack. Delgado’s injury is unlikely to necessitate major tactical changes, allowing the team to focus on their strengths and maintain defensive solidity.

Betting markets are unlikely to shift significantly due to Delgado’s absence, as the core of Alianza Lima’s squad remains intact. The team’s ability to field a strong starting eleven should keep them competitive against Sporting Cristal, with focus remaining on their attacking prowess and home advantage.

Alianza Lima Key Players

Hernán Barcos stands out as Alianza Lima’s top scorer with a goal to his name. His ability to find the net could be pivotal against Sporting Cristal. Barcos, renowned for his intelligent positioning and clinical finishing, will be the focal point of Alianza Lima’s attack. His partnership with Paolo Guerrero, a seasoned forward known for his strength and aerial prowess, could potentially unlock the opposition defence.

Expected lineup for Alianza Lima

• Goalkeeper: Guillermo Viscarra
• Defence: Guillermo Enrique, Renzo Garcés, Gianfranco Chávez, Miguel Trauco
• Midfield: Fernando Gaibor, Jesús Castillo, Pablo Ceppelini
• Forward: Alan Cantero, Paolo Guerrero, Eryc Castillo

In midfield, Fernando Gaibor and Pablo Ceppelini will be crucial in dictating the tempo and linking play. Gaibor’s vision and Ceppelini’s creativity are expected to provide the necessary support for the forwards. Defensively, the combination of Renzo Garcés and Gianfranco Chávez will be tasked with maintaining solidity at the back. Their ability to read the game and intercept play will be essential in thwarting Sporting Cristal’s attacking efforts. Collectively, these players form the backbone of Alianza Lima’s tactical approach, balancing defensive resilience with offensive creativity.

Alianza Lima Tactics and Formation

Alianza Lima Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: José Paolo Guerrero
• Midfield Pivot: Fernando Gaibor and Jesús Castillo
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong home form and effective attacking transitions.

Alianza Lima’s 4-2-3-1 formation is designed to maximise both defensive stability and attacking prowess. The midfield duo of Fernando Gaibor and Jesús Castillo is pivotal, offering a balance of defensive cover and creative playmaking. With Pablo Ceppelini operating just ahead, the team can transition effectively from defence to attack.

Defensively, the backline featuring Guillermo Enrique and Renzo Garcés provides robust coverage, although they’ve managed just one clean sheet in their last five fixtures. However, their home form remains impressive, with four wins from their last five home matches.

Offensively, Alianza Lima rely heavily on the experience and finishing ability of José Paolo Guerrero as the lone striker, supported by wingers Alan Cantero and Eryc Castillo. This setup allows for effective pressing and quick attacking transitions, crucial in their recent performances.

Sporting Cristal Analysis & Past Performance

Sporting Cristal have shown strong recent form, securing three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. Their recent performances include a notable 4-1 victory over Comerciantes Unidos and a solid 2-1 win against Cienciano, showcasing their attacking strength.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sporting Cristal	Alianza Lima	1 – 1 (Draw)	Final Stage	3 Dec 2025
Atletico Grau	Sporting Cristal	1 – 2 (Win)	Primera Division Clausura	19 Nov 2025
Sporting Cristal	Cienciano	2 – 1 (Win)	Primera Division Clausura	7 Nov 2025
Comerciantes Unidos	Sporting Cristal	1 – 4 (Win)	Primera Division Clausura	1 Nov 2025
Sporting Cristal	Los Chankas	0 – 1 (Loss)	Primera Division Clausura	26 Oct 2025

Recent Form:

• DWWWL

In their last five outings, Sporting Cristal have averaged 1.80 goals per game while conceding an average of 1.00 goal. Despite not keeping any clean sheets during this period, they have scored in four out of five matches, indicating a consistent attacking threat. Their away form has been particularly impressive, with a 60% win ratio, contributing to their overall 60% win ratio in recent matches.

Sporting Cristal Suspensions & Injuries

Sporting Cristal face a significant challenge with the absence of Luis Abram, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury and is expected to return in early January 2026. Abram’s absence will likely impact the team’s defensive stability, as he has been a key figure in their backline. Defensive responsibilities may now fall heavily on players like Miguel Araujo and Rafael Lutiger, who will need to step up to maintain the team’s defensive integrity against Alianza Lima.

Coach Paulo Autuori may consider reshuffling his formation or employing a more conservative approach to compensate for the loss of Abram’s defensive prowess. This could involve a tactical shift to a more compact system, ensuring the midfield provides additional cover to the backline and helps mitigate the absence of their central defender.

The absence of a player like Abram can also influence betting markets, as Sporting Cristal may be seen as slightly more vulnerable defensively. This could tip the odds in favour of Alianza Lima, especially if they can capitalise on any defensive lapses.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Luis Abram	Hamstring Injury	Early January 2026

Sporting Cristal Key Players

Sporting Cristal’s hopes rest on their top scorer, Gerald Martín Távara, who has been instrumental with his goal this season. Távara, operating from midfield, is known for his ability to dictate the tempo and deliver precise passes that can unlock defences. His vision and technique make him a crucial playmaker, providing the creative spark needed to break down Alianza Lima’s defensive lines.

In attack, Felipe Vizeu, alongside Santiago González, is expected to lead the forward line. Their partnership offers a blend of strength and agility, with Vizeu’s positioning and finishing skills posing a constant threat. Meanwhile, the defence will rely heavily on Miguel Araujo’s leadership and aerial ability to keep Alianza Lima’s forwards in check. Araujo’s experience and organisational skills are vital for maintaining defensive stability.

Expected lineup for Sporting Cristal:

• Goalkeeper: Diego Enriquez
• Defenders: Leandro Sosa, Miguel Araujo, Rafael Lutiger, Nicolás Pasquini
• Midfielders: Ian Wisdom, Gerald Martín Távara, Jesús Pretell
• Forwards: Santiago González, Maxloren Castro, Felipe Vizeu

Sporting Cristal Tactics and Formation

Sporting Cristal Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Felipe Vizeu
• Midfield Pivot: Jesús Pretell and Gerald Martín Távara
• Defensive Strength: Lack of clean sheets in recent matches
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on attacking play and high pressing.

Sporting Cristal’s 4-3-3 formation is designed to maximise their attacking potential, with Felipe Vizeu leading the line. The midfield trio of Jesús Pretell, Gerald Martín Távara, and Ian Wisdom provides both defensive cover and creative support, allowing for fluid transitions from defence to attack.

Defensively, the back four, including Leandro Sosa and Luis Abram, have struggled to maintain clean sheets, suggesting vulnerabilities that could be exploited by Alianza Lima. The defensive unit will need to be cohesive and alert to prevent conceding.

Offensively, Sporting Cristal rely on high pressing and quick ball movement to unsettle opponents. This strategy has been effective in maintaining a strong attacking presence, though it requires high energy levels and disciplined positioning from all players.

Alianza Lima vs Sporting Cristal Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head record between Alianza Lima and Sporting Cristal is very close. Out of 49 encounters, Alianza Lima have won 16 times, while Sporting Cristal have 15 victories, with 18 matches ending in draws. Their last meeting was a 1-1 draw in the Liga 1 Placement Playoff, illustrating just how evenly matched these teams are.

The last time Alianza Lima hosted Sporting Cristal was in the Liga 1 Clausura on 6 August 2025, which ended in a goalless draw. Alianza’s home advantage has not been a significant factor recently, as Sporting Cristal managed a win on their previous visit in 2024.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sporting Cristal	Alianza Lima	1 – 1	Liga 1 Playoff	2025-12-03
Alianza Lima	Sporting Cristal	0 – 0	Liga 1 Second Stage	2025-08-06
Sporting Cristal	Alianza Lima	1 – 2	Liga 1 First Stage	2025-03-02
Sporting Cristal	Alianza Lima	0 – 0	Liga 1 Second Stage	2024-08-18
Alianza Lima	Sporting Cristal	1 – 2	Liga 1 First Stage	2024-03-10