Friday the 13th lived up to its reputation for Deportivo Alavés. What was supposed to be a triumphant home debut for new manager Quique Sánchez Flores turned into a nightmare in the final seconds, as Villarreal snatched a 1-1 draw with virtually the last kick of the game.
For Alavés, it was a performance of grit and survival that came undone in the 98th minute. For the "Yellow Submarine," it was a point that maintains their charge for a top-three finish in La Liga.
The Breakdown: A Game of Two Halves The Opener: A Freak Own Goal (40’)Alavés took the lead in the most fortuitous of circumstances. After a spell of heavy pressure, Toni Martínez’s backheel from the byline was intended to be a cross, but it struck Villarreal center-back Rafa Marín and flew past a helpless Luiz Júnior.
The Survival Act
For most of the second half, Alavés put on a defensive masterclass. Led by Nahuel Tenaglia and goalkeeper Antonio Sivera, they restricted a high-flying Villarrealside to half-chances, even as Marcelino threw on the likes of Gerard Moreno and Thomas Partey to change the tide.
The Heartbreak (90+8’)
With the clock ticking past the seventh minute of added time, Villarreal launched one final counter-attack. Santi Comesaña found Nicolas Pépé in space, and the Ivorian winger didn’t miss, bending a clinical strike into the far corner to silence the Mendizorroza.
Villarreal leapfrog Atletico Madrid into 3rd place, putting them in a prime position for Champions League qualification.
Alavés remain in 16th, sitting just three points above the relegation zone. They are now winless in their last six La Liga matches.
Tactical Spotlight: The "Sánchez Flores" Era
In his first home game, Quique Sánchez Flores set Alavés up in a rigid 3-5-2 that completely neutralized Villarreal's creative engine. While the result is frustrating, the defensive organization was a massive upgrade from previous weeks. If they can replicate this intensity against Celta Vigo next week, the relegation fears might finally begin to fade.