The tension was palpable as Deportivo Alavés took on RCD Espanyol at Mendizorroza on Saturday, February 22, 2025. This match, part of the LaLiga EA Sports, was not just another game but rather a must-win for both teams as they sought to steer clear of relegation trouble. Alavés, sitting penultimately on the league table, was desperate for points, having not tasted victory at home since November 2024.
Starting with Alavés, Coach Eduardo Coudet faced mounting pressure after failing to secure wins over the past four outings. A victory against Espanyol could be the catalyst needed to lift the team out of the bottom spots. The squad was down to the wire, with notable absences including Carlos Benavídez and Tomás Conechny, who were out due to injuries. Coudet made some tactical shifts, opting for Santiago Mouriño to bolster the defense and Joan Jordán to provide experience and stability in midfield. The anticipation mounted as fans hoped new strategies would yield positive results.
Conversely, Espanyol arrived at Mendizorroza with somewhat of a spring in their step after their recent 1-1 draw against Athletic Club. While they were four places above relegation, they were nonetheless wary of their dismal away record. Under Coach Manolo González, the team had experienced improvement at home but the away form was troubling, having only garnered two points from six matches so far. With key players like Fernando Pacheco sidelined, the lineup featured Urko González and Roberto Fernández, both aiming to make their mark.
The atmosphere was charged as the teams lined up. Mendizorroza was filled with passionate supporters, banners, and chants of encouragement for the Alavés players, which only added to the urgency and excitement of the fixture. A win for Alavés would not only boost their survival hopes but provide them with the momentous energy needed to face their next challenges.
Both teams started cautiously, jockeying for position. Alavés showed early intent as Kike García and Toni Martínez began probing Espanyol’s defense. Their teamwork was evident, but clear chances were hard to come by, as the defenses held strong. The first major opportunity resulted from Kike García’s excellent run, almost catching Espanyol off-guard, but his strike narrowly missed the target.
Meanwhile, Espanyol's Javi Puado was intent on making his presence felt, but he struggled against the Alavés backline. Despite some promising runs, his final touches often let him down, leading to frustration among the traveling fans. A moment of relief for Espanyol came when Kumbulla intercepted and cleared some risky balls from the Alavés attack, ensuring they remained level.
Both teams were also plagued by disciplinary issues, with several yellow cards issued early on, indicating how fiercely contested the match was. Pol Lozano and Nahuel Tenaglia each received bookings for infringement, adding weight to the intensity of the contest.
The match continued to ebb and flow without conclusive breakthroughs, exemplifying the stakes at hand. With every minute passing, the pressure mounted on both outfits to produce something meaningful. Coudet reiterated his belief before the match: “This is an important game. We must start to establish ourselves strongly at home.” His desire for both points and confidence was palpable throughout the match.
Espanyol could be seen regrouping as the first half progressed, trying to exploit any gaps left by Alavés. Carlos Romero and Alex Král were particularly active, attempting to dominate midfield operations, all the meanwhile knowing the stakes were high as each team sought their path to safety.
Half time approached, and it remained clear both teams were engaged in tactical battles across the pitch. With the deadlock still intact at 0-0, fans were eager to see what changes would transpire after the break as both teams needed to capitalize on their break opportunities to secure valuable points.
Returning for the second half, the match needed sparks of brilliance to transcend the tactical stalemate. A sign of change came shortly after the restart when Coudet made adjustments, bringing on fresh legs to inject pace and dynamism which could break the deadlock. On the other hand, González retained faith with his starting XI, hoping they would engage and produce the goods without needing substitutions.
Then, the moment every Alavés supporter had been waiting for finally arrived. A flurry of attacks led them to break the deadlock when Toni Martínez found the net after benefitting from some defensive lapses from Espanyol. The eruption from the home fans encapsulated the relief and ecstasy as Alavés took the lead.
With the score at 1-0, the onus shifted squarely onto Espanyol, who needed to respond quickly to stay relevant within the game. González urged his men from the sidelines, encouraging them to press for equalization. The pressure became evident as they pushed high, creating various chances. An impressive turn from Puado very nearly leveled the score, but his well-timed shot was snuffed out by the acrobatics of Alavés goalkeeper Antonio Sivera, who turned it away.
The final minutes saw hearts racing as both teams scrambled for control. Espanyol battled bravely but failed to find the finishing touch to cut back Alavés' lead. Despite several late attempts, Alavés held on for victory, providing them with much-needed confidence and grounding to take forward.
Following the match, Coudet expressed hope, “It’s just the start. We’ve got to maintain this momentum as we aim to escape the bottom. These are the type of wins we need to push forward.” Meanwhile, González lamented the missed opportunities, “We can’t continue to falter away from home—this has to change soon.”
With this decisive 1-0 win, Deportivo Alavés took a significant step toward survival, energizing the fanbase and signaling the start of what they hope will be their resurgence as the season progresses. Only time will tell if they can sustain this form, but as for now, the victory itself was monumental
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