Deportivo Alavés have taken just one point from the last 15 available in LaLiga after a 2-1 defeat at Celta Vigo. The loss marks a fifth consecutive match without a win for Quique Sánchez Flores's side, deepening concerns over a negative run that started on September 6.
The Basque club, sitting seventh in the table with 11 points, showed attacking intent but were repeatedly denied by Celta goalkeeper Andrei Radu. The Romanian made eight saves, including two spectacular stops in added time against Luis Boyé and Mariano Díaz, to thwart Alavés's late push. "Ending this winless run as soon as possible is fundamental for a team with one point from the last 15 available," manager Quique Sánchez Flores said after the match.
A late consolation
Celta took the lead in the 53rd minute through Ferran Jutglà, assisted by Javi Rodríguez. Rodríguez himself doubled the advantage in the 71st after linking up with Iago Aspas. Alavés, who created 20 shots with nine on target, pulled one back in the 87th minute through Hugo Novoa. The comeback effort, however, proved too little too late. Striker Luis Boyé, the team's top scorer this season with five goals, missed two clear chances inside the box.
The current slump contrasts sharply with the team's season start, which featured a resounding 5-2 win over Osasuna. Since then, it has been largely defeats, with the sole point earned at Athletic Club's San Mamés. The next fixture is against bottom-placed Málaga at Mendizorrotza, a key match to try and stop the rot. With the team 16 points off the top, the need for a reaction is pressing. The match against the Andalusian side is scheduled for October 23.
More detail at Marca - Primera
Deportivo Alavés confirmed on Tuesday that the consolation goal at Balaídos was scored by Hugo Novoa. The player, who came on as a substitute, finished with his left foot from inside the area in the 87th minute to set the final 2-1 score, according to verified match data. The Vitoria-based side, seventh with 11 points, has now lost four of its last five matches.
