Alexis Sánchez to debut in Peru at Libertadores tournament

BUENOS AIRES. -  After the winning debut of River Plate at the Argentine Clausura tournament, the team coached by Diego Simeone set off for Lima today to face Universidad San Martín de Porres on Wednesday at the Group 5 match for the Copa Libertadores tournament.

Chilean national Alexis Sánchez traveled with the team to Peru after playing a central role in the million-dollar team’s 2-0 record against Gimnasia and Esgrima de Jujuy (where Sánchez was honored with a standing ovation).

Sánchez, a former player for both Cobreloa and Colo Colo, appears to be leading the Argentine team into their first match of the Copa Libertadores continental tournament, where the team will play in the same group as Universidad Católica.

Nevertheless, Coach Diego Simeone is facing a bit of a dilemma due to uncertainty surrounding whether or not Uruguayan forward Sebastián Abreu will be playing with his team.

Abreu was not able to make his official debut on Sunday at the first match of the 2008 Argentenean Clausura tournament because the Mexican Federation (FMF) had not sent him to Buenos Aires despite the fact that the Tigres de Monterrey had already sealed his transfer.