Esteban Pavez’s debut with Alianza Lima ended prematurely on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, as the Chilean midfielder suffered a knee injury during the first leg of the Copa Libertadores preliminary round against 2 de Mayo. Alianza Lima lost the match 1-0.
Signed recently by the Peruvian club, Pavez was given a starting role by manager Pablo Guede, a coach familiar with the player from previous experiences. Despite the confidence shown in him, Pavez’s performance was reportedly not impactful, and he was seen being outplayed by the opposition, drawing criticism from some Alianza Lima supporters on social media.
The injury occurred in the 73rd minute following a collision with an opponent. Pavez was visibly in pain and ultimately substituted off for Alessandro Burlamaqui. The substitution prompted a concerned reaction from Guede, who covered his face with his hands as Pavez left the field.
¡UNA REACCIÓN QUE DICE MÁS DE MIL PALABRAS! 🤦♂️🔵⚪
❌ Así se mostró Pablo Guede ante la lesión de Esteban PAVEZ, luego de que un jugador de 2 De Mayo le cayera sobre la rodilla izquierda.
🔄 En su lugar, ingresó Alessandro Burlamaqui. pic.twitter.com/j8CqA0goBK
— DSPORTS Perú (@DSportsPE) February 5, 2026
Pavez, formerly the captain of Colo Colo, was brought in to bolster Alianza Lima’s midfield. The injury raises concerns for the club as they continue their Copa Libertadores campaign. The extent of the injury is currently unknown, and further evaluation will be needed to determine the recovery timeline.
The match itself, played at Estadio Río Parapití in Paraguay, saw 2 de Mayo secure a narrow victory. Alianza Lima will need to overcome this deficit in the second leg to advance to the next stage of the competition. The result places added pressure on Guede and his squad, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding Pavez’s availability.
The injury is particularly disappointing given the quick trust Guede placed in Pavez, selecting him as a starter despite only joining the team the previous week. Guede clearly values Pavez’s experience and ability to organize the midfield, making his absence a significant blow to Alianza Lima’s plans.
The incident highlights the inherent risks in football and the potential for setbacks even in the early stages of a player’s tenure with a new club. Alianza Lima fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on Pavez’s condition, hoping for a swift recovery and a return to the pitch as soon as possible.
The second leg of the tie is yet to be scheduled, but Alianza Lima will undoubtedly be looking to bounce back from this defeat and secure their place in the next round of the Copa Libertadores. The team will need to find a way to cope with the loss of Pavez, either through tactical adjustments or by relying on other members of the squad to step up and fill the void.
