Alianza Football Formation

Starting Lineup

23- G. Viscarra
32- E. Coronel*
5- C. Zambrano
4- E. Noriega
21- M. Trauco
25- E. Rolón*
9- H. Barcos
17- P. Quispe*
10- P. Ceppelini
8- E. Castillo
11- J. D´Arrigo

Alianza focuses on a defensively solid identity when using a 5-4-1. This formation is built to sit deep and absorb pressure before hitting the opposition on the break. The team aims to stay compact and use a low block to deny space between the lines, making them very difficult to break down in a game where they do not have the ball.

G. Viscarra stays between the posts to organize the back line. Alianza defends with a back five consisting of a central trio and two wide defenders. E. Rolón (C) acts as the leader in the middle, providing aerial strength and organizing the line alongside C. Zambrano and E. Noriega. The wing backs, E. Coronel and M. Trauco, are tasked with staying wide to cover the flanks but must also drop back to form a five when the team sits deep. This defensive unit works together to keep the distance between players small and prevent any through balls.

The midfield operates in a flat four to protect the central area. P. Quispe (C) and P. Ceppelini form the central pairing, with Quispe acting to shield the defence and Ceppelini looking to drive forward with the ball. On the edges, J. D´Arrigo and E. Castillo provide width in the midfield line, helping to press the opposition and track back when needed. This unit connects the deep defensive block to the lone striker, ensuring that the team can recycle possession or quickly move the ball forward when a turnover occurs.

Up front, H. Barcos acts as a lone striker to lead the line. He is tasked to hold up the ball and wait for the midfield to join the attack. The attacking movement relies on the wide midfielders and wing backs to provide width, often looking for runs in behind or to support Barcos in combination play. When the team wins the ball, the goal is to move the ball quickly to the wings or through the middle to exploit the space left by an advancing opponent.

A major strength of this Alianza lineup is the compactness when defending. By having five defenders and four midfielders close together, they make it very hard for opponents to play through the middle. Another advantage is the potential for speed of transition, as the wide players can quickly move from a defensive position to an attacking one to support the striker.

This 5-4-1 formation is a disciplined setup designed to frustrate teams that want to control the game through possession. It is best suited for matches where Alianza acts as the underdog and needs to defend deep to secure a result.