Alianza Lima from Peru achieved an important away victory by defeating Deportes Iquique from Chile 2-1 in the first leg of Phase 3 of the Copa Libertadores de América. The goals were scored by Hernán Barcos and Erick Castillo for Alianza Lima, and Carlos Zambrano scored for Deportes Iquique.
The team led by Néstor "Pipo" Gorosito took the lead with two goals in the first half, and despite the own goal by Zambrano, Alianza Lima secured a crucial victory. The return match will be played in Peru, where Alianza Lima will only need a draw to qualify for the group stage of the Copa Libertadores.
Alianza Lima surprised by eliminating Boca Juniors in the previous phase, winning in the penalty shootout. This success adds to their previous encounter with Nacional from Paraguay. Meanwhile, Deportes Iquique advanced by overcoming Independiente Santa Fe from Colombia.
In other matches of Phase 3, Melgar from Peru will face Cerro Porteño from Paraguay, and Barcelona from Ecuador will play against Corinthians from Brazil. Meanwhile, Boston River from Uruguay will host Bahia from Brazil. The winners of these ties will advance to the group stage of the Copa Libertadores, while the losers will compete in the Copa Sudamericana.
The draw for both international tournaments will take place on March 17 in the Paraguayan city of Luque, the headquarters of Conmebol.
