- Cusco FC have the head-to-head edge in this fixture, having won three of the last five meetings, including a 4-2 victory away from home in March 2025.
- Alianza Atletico finished inside the top six and Cusco FC finished second in the overall standings in 2025’s Liga 1.
- Alianza boss Federico Urciuoli, appointed in December 2025, has a pragmatic, compact style that focuses on defensive stability and counter-attacking with speed.
High-scoring Apertura opener expected in Sullana
Alianza Atletico are a more pragmatic club than Cusco FC, whose philosophy is to build from the back, maintain possession and circulate the ball. They can be vulnerable in one-on-one defensive situations.
Cusco, who finished 2025 as sub-champions, have the quality and experience to keep the ball away from Alianza Atletico’s strikers and make this Alianza Atletico vs Cusco FC prediction opener to the Apertura a chess match of sorts. The visitor’s creative engine is Iván Colman, who supplied assists and goals in the 2025 season. Defenders Álvaro Ampuero and Carlos Gamarra are also important as they are the backbone of the squad.
Cusco’s leading marksman Facundo Callejo, who top-scored in Liga 1 with around 25 goals in 2025, will be up against Alianza’s leading scorer from last season Agustín Graneros, who finished on about 13 league goals. Both strikers will be looking to start the Apertura season with a strong performance on Sunday. For our Alianza Atletico vs Cusco FC prediction, expect both forwards to have opportunities in front of goal.
Cusco have the edge in a tight matchup
This is an evenly matched contest and the betting odds reflect it with the home team 2.33, Cusco FC 2.95 and a draw 2 to 1. The head-to-head record shows the visitors have the upper hand, but Alianza Atlético won the last home match between the teams back in July 2023 and went on to post a strong home record for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Alianza Atletico finished the previous campaign with two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five Liga 1 matches. Our Alianza Atletico vs Cusco FC preview highlights their fast-paced playing style that relies on quick transitions and set pieces, which is reflected in manager Federico Urciuoli’s tactical approach of defensive structure and giving youth a chance.
Cusco FC’s 4-2 away victory in March 2025 suggests the ‘Unders’ is the way to go in the goals markets for this Apertura opener, and the Alianza Atletico vs Cusco FC betting tips point towards a closely fought encounter with limited clear chances. Cusco FC ended 2025 on a run of three wins, one draw and one loss, beating Sporting Cristal 2-0 in the final match of the year.
