Alaves Edge Valencia 1-0 to Boost LaLiga Survival Hopes.

Alaves Edge Valencia 1-0 to Boost LaLiga Survival Hopes.

Alaves Boost Survival Hopes with Key 1-0 Win Over Valencia.
Deportivo Alaves 1-0 Valencia – LaLiga Matchday 36, May 14, 2025.                    Deportivo Alaves delivered a gritty, hard-fought 1-0 victory over Valencia at the Mendizorroza Stadium, breathing new life into their LaLiga survival campaign. The win, secured by a controversial 79th-minute penalty from substitute Joan Jordan, ended Valencia’s impressive 10-match unbeaten streak and handed Alaves a crucial four-point buffer above the relegation zone with just two games remaining.

Valencia, who had been eyeing a top-eight finish and a potential return to European football, started brightly but were undone by Alaves’ relentless pressure and the heroics of goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who made a string of stunning saves. Despite the visitors’ early dominance, Alaves grew into the game, capitalizing on a contentious refereeing decision to clinch three vital points. Santiago Mourino, who won the decisive penalty, was named Flashscore Man of the Match for his commanding defensive display.

This match, played under the floodlights in Vitoria-Gasteiz, was a testament to Alaves’ resilience under manager Eduardo Coudet. With their closest relegation rivals, Leganes, suffering a 3-0 defeat to Villarreal in a concurrent fixture, Alaves knew they couldn’t rely on others to secure their top-flight status. The victory not only bolstered their survival hopes but also showcased their ability to compete against a Valencia side in fine form. Here’s how the drama unfolded.

Pre-Match Context

6:00 PM (CET): The Mendizorroza is alive with anticipation as Alaves, teetering just one point above the relegation zone, prepare to face a Valencia side riding a wave of confidence. Valencia’s unbeaten run of 10 matches (six wins, four draws) under Carlos Corberan has them dreaming of European qualification, a feat they haven’t achieved in five years. Alaves, meanwhile, are coming off a 1-0 loss to Athletic Bilbao, making this clash a must-win to avoid being dragged into the drop zone.

The team news reflects both sides’ ambitions. Alaves field a robust lineup, with Jon Guridi and Ander Guevara anchoring midfield, while Carlos Vicente and Kike Garcia lead the attack. Valencia, buoyed by their recent 3-0 win over Getafe, start former Alaves star Luis Rioja, whose 189 appearances for the hosts make his return a subplot to watch. Pepelu and Hugo Duro provide dynamism in midfield and attack, with Mamardashvili, one of LaLiga’s top goalkeepers, guarding the net.

6:30 PM: The warm-ups are complete, and the atmosphere is electric. Alaves fans, waving blue-and-white flags, chant “Glorioso!” in support of their team. Valencia’s traveling supporters, though fewer in number, are vocal, sensing a chance to keep their European hopes alive. Referee Jesus Gil Manzano, known for his firm decisions, takes charge as kick-off looms.

First Half: Valencia Start Strong, Alaves Fight Back

1’ – Kick-Off! Valencia, in their orange away kit, get the game underway, attacking from left to right. Alaves, in their traditional blue-and-white stripes, immediately drop into a compact shape, signaling their intent to frustrate the visitors.

2’: Valencia waste no time asserting dominance. Luis Rioja, back at the Mendizorroza, nearly haunts his former club. The winger cuts inside and unleashes a venomous strike, forcing Alaves goalkeeper Antonio Sivera into a superb save at his near post. The crowd holds its breath, but Sivera’s reflexes keep the score level.

7’: The visitors continue to press. Pepelu, Valencia’s midfield maestro, finds space 25 yards out and fires a low shot that looks destined for the bottom corner. Only a last-ditch block from Santiago Mourino diverts the ball wide, sparing Alaves an early deficit. Valencia’s intensity is relentless, and Alaves are struggling to get a foothold.

16’: Against the run of play, Alaves nearly take the lead. A pinpoint cross from Nahuel Tenaglia finds Jon Guridi unmarked in the box. The midfielder’s powerful header seems certain to score, but Mamardashvili produces a stunning one-handed save, clawing the ball away. The Mendizorroza erupts, sensing a shift in momentum.

20’: Mamardashvili is at it again. Tenaglia, buoyed by his earlier assist attempt, tries his luck from distance. The defender’s swerving shot catches the Georgian goalkeeper off guard, and he spills it momentarily before smothering the ball with both hands. Alaves are growing in confidence, and Valencia’s defense is starting to wobble.

28’: Alaves’ resurgence continues. Ander Guevara wins a free-kick 30 yards out after a foul by Valencia’s Dimitri Foulquier. Guevara takes it himself, unleashing a fierce strike that forces Mamardashvili to tip the ball over the crossbar. The Georgian’s heroics are keeping Valencia in the game, but Alaves are piling on the pressure.

35’: Another chance for Alaves. Carlos Vicente, cutting in from the right, dances past two defenders and fires a low shot toward the near post. Mamardashvili, once again, is equal to it, diving to his left to parry the effort. The Valencia goalkeeper is single-handedly keeping the score at 0-0, and Alaves fans are growing frustrated.

45’: Two minutes of stoppage time are signaled. Alaves push forward, but Valencia’s defense, led by Cristhian Mosquera, holds firm. The half-time whistle blows, and the teams head to the dressing rooms with the score locked at 0-0. Despite Valencia’s early dominance, Alaves have had the better chances, only to be thwarted by Mamardashvili’s brilliance.

Half-Time: Deportivo Alaves 0-0 Valencia
Half-Time Analysis

The first half was a tale of two phases. Valencia started like a team chasing Europe, with Rioja and Pepelu dictating play and Sivera forced into early saves. However, Alaves weathered the storm and flipped the script, creating a string of chances that tested Mamardashvili’s credentials as one of LaLiga’s elite goalkeepers. Mourino’s defensive heroics and Guridi’s near-miss header were highlights for the hosts, who will feel they should be ahead.

Elsewhere, news filters through that Leganes are trailing 3-0 against Villarreal, offering Alaves a golden opportunity to pull clear of the relegation zone. Coudet will urge his players to maintain their intensity, while Corberan will look to shore up Valencia’s defense and capitalize on their early attacking promise. The stage is set for a thrilling second half.

Second Half: Alaves Persist, Controversy Decides

46’: Alaves kick off the second half with renewed vigor. Coudet’s halftime talk has clearly galvanized the hosts, who press high to disrupt Valencia’s rhythm.

54’: Alaves pick up where they left off. Carles Alena, operating in an advanced midfield role, rises to meet a cross from Vicente. His looping header looks destined for the top corner, but Mamardashvili palms it around the post with a fingertip save. The Georgian’s performance is bordering on superhuman.

60’: Another chance for Alaves. Antonio Blanco, drifting into attacking territory, latches onto a loose ball and unleashes a cross-cum-shot that catches Mamardashvili off guard. The goalkeeper reacts just in time, tipping the ball over the bar. Alaves are relentless, and Valencia’s defense is creaking under the pressure.

70’: Valencia finally muster a response. Hugo Duro breaks free on the left and whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Sivera is quick off his line to claim it. The visitors are starting to regain their footing, but Alaves remain the more threatening side.

79’ – GOAL! Deportivo Alaves 1-0 Valencia (Joan Jordan): Controversy erupts at the Mendizorroza! Substitute Joan Jordan, on loan from Sevilla, steps up to convert a penalty and send the home crowd into raptures. The spot-kick is awarded after Mamardashvili appears to make minimal contact with Santiago Mourino while attempting to punch a corner clear. Referee Jesus Gil Manzano, after consulting VAR, points to the spot, sparking furious protests from Valencia players. Jordan keeps his cool, slotting the ball into the bottom corner to give Alaves the lead.

84’: Valencia make a double substitution, bringing on Sergi Canos and Max Aarons for Mouctar Diakhaby and Rafa Mir in a bid to salvage a point. Alaves, meanwhile, tighten their defensive shape, with Mourino and Abdel Abqar standing tall.

87’: Valencia come agonizingly close to an equalizer. A well-worked move sees Pepelu’s shot deflect into the path of Duro, whose close-range effort is brilliantly saved by Sivera. The Alaves goalkeeper’s intervention preserves the lead, and the Mendizorroza roars in approval.

90’: Five minutes of stoppage time are announced, giving Valencia hope of a late lifeline. Alaves, however, are resolute, with every player throwing themselves into tackles and blocks.

90+5’: The final whistle blows, and the Mendizorroza erupts! Alaves secure a 1-0 victory, their first win in four matches, and take a massive step toward LaLiga survival. Valencia’s unbeaten run is over, but their European hopes remain alive, albeit dented.

Full-Time: Deportivo Alaves 1-0 Valencia
Post-Match Reaction

Player of the Match: Santiago Mourino
Mourino’s commanding performance at the heart of Alaves’ defense was pivotal. His last-ditch blocks, aerial dominance, and role in winning the decisive penalty earned him Flashscore’s Man of the Match award. The Uruguayan’s composure under pressure was a beacon for his teammates.

Eduardo Coudet’s Thoughts:
“We knew this was a final for us,” Coudet tells Al Jazeera Sport. “The boys showed incredible heart and fight. Mourino was fantastic, and Joan’s penalty was the difference. We’re not safe yet, but this gives us belief.”

Carlos Corberan’s Verdict:
Valencia’s manager is gracious in defeat but questions the penalty call. “I’m proud of my players’ effort, but that decision changed the game,” he says. “Mamardashvili was outstanding, and we’ll keep fighting for Europe.”
Match Analysis

The 1-0 scoreline belies the intensity of a match that swung dramatically from Valencia’s early dominance to Alaves’ second-half resurgence. Valencia’s fast start, led by Rioja and Pepelu, exposed Alaves’ vulnerabilities, but Sivera’s early saves kept the hosts in contention. Mamardashvili’s heroics—five saves, including stunning stops from Guridi and Guevara—kept Valencia level, but their failure to convert early chances proved costly.

Alaves, under Coudet’s guidance, grew into the game, exploiting Valencia’s high line with quick transitions. The introduction of Joan Jordan proved decisive, not only for his penalty but for his composure in midfield. The penalty decision, however, was a flashpoint. Replays suggested minimal contact between Mamardashvili and Mourino, and Valencia’s frustration was palpable. X posts from fans echoed this sentiment, with one user writing, “That penalty was a disgrace. Mamardashvili barely touched him!”

Tactically, Alaves’ shift to a more direct, pressing style in the second half disrupted Valencia’s rhythm. Mourino and Abqar’s defensive partnership nullified Duro and Mir, while Vicente’s runs stretched Valencia’s backline. Valencia, despite their quality, lacked the cutting edge to break through Alaves’ resolute defense in the final stages.

What It Means

For Alaves, the win is a lifeline. Sitting one point above the relegation zone before kick-off, they now have a four-point cushion with two games left—against Osasuna and Real Betis. The victory, coupled with Leganes’ defeat, gives Alaves breathing room, but their survival is not yet guaranteed.

Valencia, despite the loss, remain in the hunt for a top-eight finish. Their 10-match unbeaten run showcased their potential, but this defeat highlights the fine margins in their European chase. With matches against Rayo Vallecano and Celta Vigo to come, Corberan’s side will need to regroup quickly.
Key Stats

Possession: Alaves 46% – Valencia 54%

Shots: Alaves 14 (6 on target) – Valencia 10 (3 on target)

Corners: Alaves 5 – Valencia 4

Pass Accuracy: Alaves 78% – Valencia 82%

Fouls: Alaves 14 – Valencia 12
What’s Next?

Deportivo Alaves: A trip to Osasuna awaits, where another positive result could all but secure their LaLiga status. The final game against Real Betis will be a stern test, but Alaves’ fighting spirit bodes well.

Valencia: They host Rayo Vallecano next, a chance to bounce back and keep their European dreams alive. A final-day clash with Celta Vigo could decide their top-eight fate.

Deportivo Alaves’ 1-0 victory over Valencia was a gritty, emotional triumph that could prove to be the turning point in their fight for LaLiga survival. Joan Jordan’s controversial penalty and Santiago Mourino’s defensive masterclass stole the show, while Giorgi Mamardashvili’s heroics kept Valencia in the game until the end. With two matches left, Alaves have their destiny in their hands, while Valencia must dust themselves off to maintain their European push.

The Mendizorroza faithful will savor this moment, knowing their team’s heart and hustle have given them a fighting chance. As the LaLiga season nears its climax, Alaves’ survival story is one to watch.