Deportivo Alaves fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Valencia at Mendizorrotza on Sunday. A 78th-minute strike from Luis Rioja decided the match on La Liga's sixth matchday, leaving the Vitoria-based side with 10 points and in fourth place in the table.
Quique Sánchez Flores set up his team in a 3-5-2 formation, with Antonio Sivera in goal and the attacking duo of Toni Martínez and Luis Boyé up front. The match was intense and closely fought, with more fouls than clear chances in the first half. Valencia, managed by Óscar Sánchez, enjoyed more of the ball with 57% possession, but Alaves generated more shots, fifteen to the visitors' ten.
The first half ended goalless and saw two yellow cards shown after an argument between Javi Guerra and Antonio Blanco. The second period followed a similar pattern of equilibrium until the 78th minute, when the winning goal arrived. A move from the cautioned Javi Guerra found substitute Luis Rioja, who had replaced Hugo Duro, and he made no mistake in front of Sivera.
Sánchez Flores tried to react with attacking changes, including bringing on Mariano Díaz for Toni Martínez, but the team failed to create a clear chance to equalise in the closing minutes. This result means Alaves have now lost two consecutive league matches, following their Copa del Rey setback against Racing Santander.
The team now has 10 points from a possible 18, sitting five points behind leaders Barcelona. Their next challenge is a tough away fixture against Athletic Club next Saturday. Fans can check the full schedule on our fixtures page and follow the team's progress in the standings. Striker Luis Boyé, the team's top scorer this season with four goals, was unable to find the net on this occasion.
