Universitario de Deportes, the reigning champions of Peruvian football, will face their first major test in the Copa Libertadores as they host Liga Deportiva Universitaria (LDU) from Ecuador. This match marks the opening of Group D in the continental competition.

Don't miss Universitario vs. LDU Quito on Tuesday, April 2nd, starting at 10:30 PM ET / 7:30 PM PT live on beIN SPORTS

The "cremas" will kick off their international campaign at the Estadio Monumental in Lima, expecting a full house, as they celebrate their centenary year in August with hopes of securing a victory against the current Copa Sudamericana champions.

Their coach, Argentine Fabián Bustos, will be without striker Alex Valera, defender Matías di Benedetto, and midfielder Horacio Calcaterra due to suspensions carried over from last year's Copa Sudamericana.

Despite these absences, Bustos downplayed the situation, noting that the Libertadores will be "a completely different tournament." However, he acknowledged the challenge of facing "a great team in good form" for their opening match.

"But we must win at home," he emphasized, praising the work of LDU's Spanish coach Josep Alcácer, who he believes is doing an excellent job.

LDU Quito arrives in Lima in high spirits following a 5-0 victory over Imbabura last Thursday, putting them at 9 points, just four behind league leaders Aucas.

Star striker Alex Arce has been in superb form, netting seven goals in the Ecuadorian Serie A, including three against their last opponent.

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However, Alcácer won't be on the bench at the Monumental as he is yet to be cleared by CONMEBOL, with his assistant Humberto Preti taking his place.

Despite this, Alcácer praised Bustos' knowledge of Ecuadorian teams from his time coaching Barcelona and Delfín in the country, as well as Universitario's strong fanbase.

"We're facing a tough competition on Tuesday in Peru, which we like, but it will be challenging. There will be around 80,000 spectators at the Monumental, against a team that hasn't lost and a coach who knows Ecuadorian football well," he remarked.

He acknowledged that the match will be a tough challenge but expressed confidence that his team is ready to battle, despite his absence from the sidelines not altering their preparations significantly.