Alaves
Alaves Defy the Odds Against Villarreal
Alaves pulled off a tactical masterclass to beat Villarreal 1-0 in La Liga’s third round, Lucas Boye’s 31st-minute header proving decisive despite the visitors enjoying 75% possession at Mendizorroza. Quique Sanchez Flores’ men clung on through six second-half saves from Antonio Sivera to claim their first clean sheet of the season.
Villarreal’s Possession Without Punch
The Yellow Submarine dominated the ball from kickoff but found Alaves’ five-man defence immovable. Gerard Moreno fired their best chance straight at Sivera in the 18th minute before Boye struck against the run of play – rising to meet Abderrahman Rebbach’s floated cross for his first goal of the campaign. Villarreal’s frustration grew as Nicolas Pepe and Renato Veiga collected late yellow cards.
Sanchez Flores’ Defensive Masterstroke
Alaves made just 196 passes all game – 434 fewer than their opponents – but every clearance sparked raucous celebrations. The Basque side’s xG of 0.81 to Villarreal’s 1.28 told the story of a match where defensive resilience trumped attacking flair. Sivera’s fingertip save from Georges Mikautadze in the 87th minute preserved the lead before Sanchez Flores was booked for time-wasting.
What This Means for Both Sides
This smash-and-grab victory lifts Alaves to mid-table while leaving Villarreal still searching for their first away points. The visitors must find a way to convert dominance into goals ahead of their Europa League playoff, while Alaves will look to build on this defensive solidarity when they visit Girona next Sunday.
Key Moments
31′ ⚽ Alaves — L. Boye (assist: A. Perez)
