Peruvian side Alianza Lima took a major step toward the round of 16 in the Copa Sudamericana after defeating Gremio 2-0 in the first leg of the playoff round on Wednesday. Goals from Gaspar Gentile and Eryc Castillo sealed a memorable night at the Alejandro Villanueva Stadium and ignited the hopes of the home fans.

Dominant display at home

The Blanquiazules showed strength, discipline, and high intensity against a Gremio team that struggled to find its rhythm throughout the match. From the opening whistle, Alianza looked determined to control the game. Paolo Guerrero came close with a powerful header that missed just wide, while Eryc Castillo lit up the crowd with an impressive run into the box, though his shot was blocked by the Brazilian defense.

On the visitors' side, things got worse when Edenílson was sent off after receiving his second yellow card for a foul on Guillermo Enrique, leaving Gremio a man down at a crucial stage of the match.

The breakthrough came in the 59th minute when Argentine-Peruvian Gaspar Gentile, who had just come on to replace Kevin Quevedo, found a loose ball in the box and slotted it home—his first goal for Alianza Lima since joining the club from Cienciano last month.

Just two minutes later, Castillo doubled the lead with a stunning strike, sending the home fans into a frenzy. From that moment on, Gorosito's men controlled the tempo, shut down Gremio’s attack, and never let the lead slip away.

With this convincing win, Alianza Lima heads to Porto Alegre with a solid advantage for the return leg scheduled for July 23. The dream of reaching the round of 16 is more alive than ever for the Peruvian side, which continues to write an exciting story in its continental journey.