In a thrilling encounter at the Estadio Mendizorrotza, Alaves secured a vital 2-1 victory over Espanyol on November 2, 2025. The win not only boosts Alaves' confidence but also adds crucial points to their season tally as they aim to climb out of the lower half of La Liga.
The match began with an electric atmosphere, and it didn't take long for Alaves to make their mark. Just five minutes in, Denis Suárez found the back of the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. This early goal set the tone for Alaves, who were desperate for a positive result after struggling in recent weeks. With only three wins from their last ten matches, every point felt like gold dust.
As the first half progressed, Alaves continued to press forward. Their efforts paid off again in the 40th minute when Lucas Boyé doubled their lead with another well-timed strike. The home side went into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 advantage, leaving Espanyol with plenty of work to do if they wanted to turn things around.
Espanyol entered the second half determined to fight back. Their persistence bore fruit in the 56th minute when Roberto Fernández scored, narrowing Alaves' lead to just one goal. The visitors had momentum on their side and began pushing harder for an equalizer. However, despite several attempts and increased pressure on Alaves' defense, they struggled to find that final touch needed to level the score.
As tensions mounted late in the game, Lucas Boyé's afternoon took a turn for the worse when he received a red card in stoppage time for unsporting behavior. This dismissal added drama to an already intense match but ultimately did not change the outcome as Alaves held firm against Espanyol's late surge.
This victory is particularly significant for Alaves as they now sit in 12th place with 12 points from ten matches. It marks a much-needed turnaround after their recent struggles that included two draws and a loss leading up to this match. For Espanyol, currently fifth with 18 points, this defeat serves as a reminder that even strong teams can falter against determined opponents.
Looking ahead, both teams have crucial fixtures coming up next week. Alaves will travel to face Girona while Espanyol will host Villarreal. Each team has its own objectives: Alaves seeks consistency and further points to escape relegation concerns while Espanyol aims to maintain their position near the top of the table.
Reflecting on my earlier predictions about this match-where I anticipated fireworks due to both teams' vulnerabilities-I must admit I was spot on regarding the intensity but perhaps underestimated how effectively Alaves would capitalize on their chances today. In any case, this match has certainly set up an intriguing narrative as we move deeper into La Liga's season; expect more surprises along the way!