In a decisive clash at the Ciudad Deportiva José Luis Compañón, Deportivo Alavés III secured a vital 2-0 victory over Añorga on November 2, 2025. This result not only marked a significant boost for Alavés III in their fight against relegation but also deepened Añorga's struggles as they continue to search for form in the Tercera División RFEF - Group 4.
From the outset, it was clear that both teams were eager to seize control of the match. Alavés III entered the game with newfound confidence following their recent win against Durango, while Añorga aimed to build on their scoreless draw against Aurrerá Vitoria. However, despite my earlier predictions suggesting a tightly contested battle, it became evident early on that Alavés III had the upper hand.
The first half saw Javi López, who had been instrumental in Alavés' previous victory, once again proving his worth. He opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Añorga. The goal sent waves of relief through the home crowd and set the tone for what was to come. With this strike, López not only reaffirmed his status as a key player but also demonstrated how crucial individual performances can be in matches where every point counts.
As Añorga struggled to respond effectively, they found themselves increasingly under pressure from an organized and determined Alavés side. Despite some promising moments from Alberto García, who had previously shown flashes of brilliance this season, Añorga could not find their rhythm. Their inability to convert chances into goals has been a recurring theme throughout their campaign, and today was no different.
The second half continued much like the first; Alavés maintained control and looked more threatening going forward. In the 67th minute, they doubled their lead when Iker Ruiz scored with a well-placed shot that left Añorga's goalkeeper with little chance. This goal effectively sealed the match for Alavés III and highlighted their growing momentum as they aim to climb out of the relegation zone.
With this victory, Deportivo Alavés III moved up slightly in the standings to 16th place with eight points from eight matches (2 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses). Meanwhile, Añorga remained at the bottom of Group 4 with just five points from eight games (1 win, 2 draws, and 5 losses), further complicating their quest for survival this season.
Reflecting on my pre-match analysis where I suggested that both teams might struggle offensively due to shared weaknesses-well, I must admit I underestimated Alavés' ability to capitalize on opportunities today while overestimating Añorga's capacity to respond under pressure. The reality proved otherwise as Alavés showcased resilience and tactical discipline that has eluded them in earlier fixtures.
Looking ahead, Deportivo Alavés III will face Eibar III next week-a match that could further define their season if they can maintain this level of performance. For Añorga, however, there is little time for reflection; they must regroup quickly before facing Touring next weekend if they hope to turn around what has been a disappointing start to their campaign.
As both teams navigate these challenging waters of lower-tier Spanish football, today's result serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change within such tightly contested leagues. For now, Deportivo Alavés III can celebrate a much-needed victory while Añorga must confront harsh realities as they seek answers moving forward.