The Mendizorrotza Stadium in Vitoria-Gasteiz was alive with energy and anticipation as Deportivo Alavés and Girona played out an enthralling 2-2 draw on Monday, February 23, 2026, in the 25th round of La Liga. With both teams entering the match under pressure—Alavés hovering just above the relegation zone and Girona riding high after their recent triumph over Barcelona—the stakes could hardly have been higher. The atmosphere was electric, with 14,117 fans in attendance and a pre-match tribute to Baskonia’s Copa del Rey basketball victory setting the stage.
Alavés, managed by Eduardo Coudet, wasted no time in asserting themselves. From the opening whistle, they pressed aggressively, disrupting Girona’s attempts to settle into their trademark possession-based rhythm. The home side’s intensity paid off almost immediately. Just five minutes into the match, Youssef Enriquez fired a low cross into the box, and a miscommunication between Girona’s defenders and goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga left Lucas Boyé with a simple finish at the far post. Boyé’s early strike sent the Mendizorrotza faithful into raptures and put Girona on the back foot.
“We’re at home, and we know that to reach our objective as quickly as possible we have to pick up three points here, especially against direct rivals,” Boyé later remarked, voicing his frustration at not securing a win despite his brace.
Girona, led by Míchel Sánchez, initially struggled to find their footing. Their defense, usually so composed, was rattled by Alavés’ relentless pressing. Daley Blind’s attempt to launch an attack for Girona was quickly intercepted, and Alavés nearly doubled their lead moments later when Toni Martínez squandered a golden opportunity. The hosts’ tactical discipline was evident—they alternated between aggressive pressing and compact defending, denying Girona’s creative midfielders any meaningful space.
But Girona are no strangers to adversity. As the first half wore on, they began to grow into the game. Their patience was rewarded in the 31st minute. Axel Witsel, who had been a calming presence during Girona’s shaky moments, flicked on a corner at the near post. Vladyslav Vanat, ever the opportunist, bundled the ball over the line at the far post. The Ukrainian striker’s eighth league goal of the season brought the visitors level and reignited their hopes.
The match was finely balanced as halftime approached. Alavés continued to threaten, but Girona’s confidence was growing. The home fans, meanwhile, made their voices heard—not just in support of their team, but also in protest. For four minutes, the stadium echoed with chants against La Liga president Javier Tebas, objecting to the scheduling of the match on a Monday night. A striking mosaic in the south stand declared: “Our leisure, your business; our passion, your ambition; our rights, your profits; our feelings, your spectacle. No to midweek football.” The protest was a vivid reminder of the ongoing debate about football’s commercialization and its impact on loyal supporters.
The second half brought more drama. Alavés, emboldened by their passionate supporters, pushed forward with renewed vigor. Boyé and Martínez continued to test Girona’s back line, but it was the visitors who would strike next. In the 67th minute, Míchel made a pivotal substitution, bringing on Azzedine Ounahi for his first appearance since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations. The Moroccan midfielder’s impact was immediate. Just six minutes after entering the fray, Ounahi threaded a superb reverse pass through the heart of Alavés’ defense. Viktor Tsygankov latched onto the ball, rounded goalkeeper Antonio Sivera with composure, and slotted it into the open net to give Girona a 2-1 lead.
Ounahi’s creativity nearly produced another goal minutes later, forcing a stunning save from Sivera. Girona, now in front, looked poised to claim a hard-fought victory. Their recent form has been nothing short of remarkable; in 2026, only Real Madrid and Barcelona have accumulated more points in La Liga. The Catalan side’s Champions League-caliber run has captured the imagination of their fans and drawn plaudits from pundits across Spain.
Yet, Alavés refused to concede defeat. With time ticking away and the home side chasing an equalizer, Coudet urged his players forward. In the 89th minute, Victor Parada sent a teasing cross into the box. Boyé, already on the scoresheet, rose highest to meet the ball and powered a header past Gazzaniga. The stadium erupted as Alavés snatched a precious point in the dying moments. Boyé’s second goal of the night was a testament to his determination and aerial prowess.
Both teams had their moments to win it, but a draw felt like a fair result after such a pulsating encounter. Alavés’ battling spirit was on full display, and the point lifted them three clear of the relegation zone. Girona, meanwhile, maintained a six-point cushion and continued their impressive run in 2026. “We’re frustrated by the draw and by not getting all three points,” Boyé admitted, echoing the mixed emotions felt by both sets of players and fans.
The match was not without its disciplinary moments. Referee Adrián Cordero kept a firm hand, issuing yellow cards to Martínez, Youssef, Echeverri, and Fran Beltrán, but there were no red cards. The contest was physical yet fair, with both sides showing respect for the game and each other.
For Alavés, the draw was a morale boost in their fight for survival. Their high-intensity approach and tactical discipline stifled one of the most dangerous teams in the league. For Girona, the result was a minor setback, but their overall trajectory remains upward. The return of Ounahi from international duty adds another dimension to their midfield, and Vanat’s scoring touch continues to impress.
As the final whistle blew, both coaches could take positives from the performance. Míchel Sánchez will point to his team’s resilience and attacking flair, while Eduardo Coudet can be proud of his side’s never-say-die attitude. With only six points separating Girona in 11th place and Mallorca in the last relegation spot, the La Liga table remains as tight as ever.
With the season entering its decisive phase, every point counts. Alavés and Girona may have shared the spoils, but their ambitions remain intact. The battle for survival and European qualification is far from over—and on nights like this, La Liga proves why it’s one of the most captivating leagues in the world.