**Premier World League 2025 – Group A Playoffs
Round 2 • Second-Leg Preview**
The second legs of Group A’s Round 2 matchups are set to deliver high drama as teams fight for a place in the next stage of the Premier World League playoffs. With several ties still hanging in the balance, here’s what to expect:
Alianza Lima (PER) vs Universitario (PER)
First leg: Universitario 3–0 Alianza Lima
Universitario enters the second leg with a commanding three-goal advantage and full control of the tie. Alianza Lima must push forward aggressively, knowing they need at least three unanswered goals to stay alive. The danger for them: Universitario’s counterattack has been lethal, and one away goal would make the mountain even steeper.
Key factor: Alianza’s ability to balance high pressure with defensive stability.
Advantage: Universitario
Santa Fe (COL) vs Sporting Cristal (PER)
First leg: Sporting Cristal 2–1 Santa Fe
This is one of the closest ties of the round. Santa Fe returns home needing only a 1–0 win to advance, thanks to their crucial away goal. Sporting Cristal, however, has shown they can dictate tempo and create chances under pressure. Expect a tactical contest where the first goal could shift momentum dramatically.
Key factor: Santa Fe’s ability to capitalize on home-field intensity.
Advantage: Slight edge to Santa Fe, but truly wide open.
Deportivo Cali (COL) vs Cienciano (PER)
First leg: Cienciano 4–2 Deportivo Cali
Despite losing the first leg, Deportivo Cali earned two valuable away goals, keeping the door wide open. A 2–0 home win would be enough to flip the tie. Cienciano’s explosive attack gives them confidence, but they have shown defensive vulnerabilities that Cali can exploit. This could turn into a shootout.
Key factor: Whether Cienciano can stabilize defensively on the road.
Advantage: Even — Cali has the home boost, Cienciano the scoreboard edge.
Sport Boys (PER) vs Valencia (SPA)
First leg: Valencia 3–1 Sport Boys
Sport Boys returns home needing a strong response after Valencia’s composed first-leg victory. They must win by two goals to force extra time or by three to advance outright. Valencia, meanwhile, can afford to absorb pressure and counter through their creative midfield and clinical finishing.
Key factor: Can Sport Boys generate early momentum in front of their home crowd?
Advantage: Valencia, but Sport Boys are capable of making this competitive early.
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