Alianza Universidad de Huánuco edged past Bentín Tacna Heroica 1-0 on Tuesday night in a hard-fought Peruvian Liga 2 encounter, with the decisive goal arriving in the second half as the home side tightened their grip on the upper reaches of the standings.

Playing in front of their own supporters at the Estadio Heraclio Tapia, Alianza Universidad controlled long stretches of play but needed a moment of quality to break down a stubborn Tacna defensive block. The result keeps the Huánuco-based club firmly in the promotion conversation, while Bentín Tacna Heroica were left to rue a disciplined display that ultimately yielded nothing.

Match Overview

From the opening whistle, Alianza Universidad looked the more ambitious side, dominating possession and pressing high up the pitch. Bentín Tacna Heroica, well organized and compact, sat deep and looked to hit on the counter-attack. The first half produced several half-chances but neither goalkeeper was seriously tested as the game remained scoreless going into the break.

The home side came out with renewed urgency after halftime. Their patience was rewarded in the 68th minute when a well-worked move down the right flank ended with a precise finish from striker Jhon Ibérico, who converted from close range after a low cross from substitute Luis Ampuero. That goal proved to be the difference as Alianza Universidad managed the closing stages with composure.

Key Moments

• 68' - Goal (1-0): Ampuero's pace down the right created the opening; his cutback found Ibérico, who made no mistake from eight yards out.
• 75' - Near equalizer: Bentín Tacna's best chance came when a long-range effort from Diego Medrano forced a diving save from Alianza goalkeeper Junior Furiós.
• 89' - Late scare: A corner ball caused a scramble in the box, but the Alianza defense cleared off the line to preserve the lead.

Tactical Story

Alianza Universidad coach Mario Flores set his team up in a 4-2-3-1 shape that allowed their full-backs to push high and create overloads in wide areas. Bentín Tacna Heroica, under the guidance of Edson Aubert, deployed a compact 4-4-2 mid-block aimed at frustrating the hosts and forcing turnovers in midfield. For most of the first hour, that plan worked well. However, the introduction of Ampuero added directness and verticality to Alianza's attack, and it was exactly that change which unlocked the game.

Tacna's lack of ambition in possession ultimately cost them. They finished with only 38% of the ball and rarely threatened on the break, but they remained organized until the goal forced them to open up. Even then, Alianza Universidad's defensive line handled the late pressure comfortably.

Standout Players

• Jhon Ibérico (Alianza Universidad): Scored the only goal and worked tirelessly as the focal point of the attack.
• Luis Ampuero (Alianza Universidad): Made an immediate impact off the bench, providing the assist and injecting energy into a stagnant front line.
• Junior Furiós (Alianza Universidad): Made one superb save in the second half to keep a clean sheet and secure all three points.
• Diego Medrano (Bentín Tacna Heroica): His long-range shooting was the visitors' brightest attacking outlet.

Table and Season Impact

The victory strengthens Alianza Universidad's position in the upper half of the Peruvian Liga 2 standings, keeping them within touching distance of the promotion-playoff spots as the season enters its decisive phase. For Bentín Tacna Heroica, the narrow defeat means they remain in the lower half of the table, but their competitive performance suggests they will continue to be awkward opponents for the division's leading sides.

Alianza Universidad will look to build on this momentum when they hit the road next, while Bentín Tacna Heroica will return home hoping to convert solid performances into points. With the second tier producing tight results week after week, every win carries significant weight, and Tuesday night's 1-0 success could prove crucial come the end of the campaign.