SULLANA, Peru (Interstat) — In a result that defied a key statistical projection, Alianza Atletico secured a 2-1 victory over Alianza Universidad on Sunday in the Peruvian Primera División, propelled by a second-half winner from midfielder Jimmy Pérez.

The match, played before a home crowd at Estadio Campeones del 36, saw the hosts overcome an early deficit to claim all three points in their 2025 league opener.

The visiting Alianza Univ squad struck first, finding the net against the run of play in the 13th minute. The opening goal came from substitute Jeremy Canela Torres, who had an immediate impact after entering the match. He finished a play initiated by forward Miguel Graneros, who was credited with the assist. The early goal signaled a potential upset was in the making.

Alianza Atletico, however, maintained composure and began to dictate the tempo. Their persistence was rewarded just six minutes before halftime. Midfielder Hernan Lupu leveled the score at 1-1 in the 51st minute, converting a chance to ensure the teams went into the break on equal footing.

The momentum firmly shifted in the 63rd minute when the home side completed its comeback. Jimmy Pérez, a dynamic presence in the Alianza Atletico midfield, scored what would stand as the decisive goal, putting his side ahead 2-1. The assist on the game-winning play was delivered by forward Guillermo Larios.

The match was a physical contest, reflected in the disciplinary record. The first booking came in the 31st minute when Alianza Univ’s Miguel Graneros, who had earlier provided an assist, received a yellow card. Guillermo Larios of the winning side was cautioned in the 70th minute, and Alianza Univ substitute Jhon Ibargüen, who also recorded an assist, was booked deep into second-half stoppage time.

The final outcome stood in stark contrast to the pregame analytics from Interstat. The organization’s game simulator had projected a 2-1 victory for the visiting Alianza Univ side. Furthermore, Interstat’s ELO rating system had calculated Alianza Atletico with an 80.70 percent probability to win, a forecast the home side ultimately fulfilled, though not in the straightforward manner the high probability might have suggested.

With the result, Alianza Atletico begins its Primera División campaign with one win and zero losses. The club’s overall record across all competitions for the season also improves to one win and zero losses. For Alianza Universidad, the loss marks a disappointing start to their league season, as their record in the competition falls to zero wins and one loss. Their overall record across all competitions mirrors that zero wins and one loss standing.

The victory provides Alianza Atletico with crucial early momentum in the Peruvian top flight, while Alianza Universidad will look to regroup after a narrow defeat where they managed to score but could not hold off the home side’s determined fightback.