Analysis The numbers behind the result
Alaves defy low possession with Boye's clinical strike
Alaves' 1-0 victory over Villarreal belied their stark lack of possession (25%), with Lucas Boye's 31st-minute finish proving decisive. Despite being outshot 18 to 9 and conceding a 1.28-0.81 xG deficit, Luis Boye converted one of only two shots on target - assisted by Ángel Pérez in a rare counter-attacking moment. Villarreal's dominance (75% possession, 14 shots inside the box) was undermined by inefficient finishing, with just six of their 18 total shots hitting the target.
The hosts' defensive resilience proved key, blocking six shots and forcing Villarreal into speculative efforts (only four shots from outside the box). Yellow cards for Quique Sánchez Flores' side (3 vs 2) reflected their physical approach to disrupting Villarreal's rhythm. Ultimately, Alaves' ability to convert their only big chance (Boye's goal accounted for 38% of their total xG) while denying Villarreal clear opportunities was the difference - the visitors' 9 corners to 5 advantage yielded no returns.