Sporting SM vs Alianza FC: Julio Dely Valdés trusts his team's improvement for Apertura 2026 Matchday 3

Sporting San Miguelito aims to return to winning ways this Sunday when they host Alianza FC in the third round of the Liga Panameña de Fútbol (LPF) Apertura 2026 tournament.

Ahead of the match, Sporting's coach, Julio Dely Valdés, spoke with TVMAX Deportes about his team's current situation. He assured that despite recent outcomes, the team's performance has shown positive aspects that foster optimism. Valdés believes Sporting is in a growth process and expects the team to continue evolving throughout the season.

“

The team will go from less to more. Despite losing the other day, the team wasn't that bad. They only had two or three shots on goal, one was an own goal.

"The team will go from less to more. Despite losing the other day, the team wasn't that bad. They only had two or three shots on goal, one was an own goal," Valdés stated. He particularly emphasized the defensive work of his players, identifying it as one of the team's most solid points early in the championship.

"We have to keep reinforcing the defense, which is what has been best," added the coach. He stressed that maintaining defensive solidity will be crucial for the team to start accumulating positive results. The upcoming match against Alianza FC presents a new opportunity for Sporting to confirm the improvements Valdés has spoken of and translate good performance into points in a tournament that has just begun but already demands consistency for playoff contention.

“

We have to keep reinforcing the defense, which is what has been best.