Alavés endured a heartbreaking last-minute defeat away to Dpor Abanca at Riazor, a 2-1 loss that unravelled following Laia Parera's red card. The Vitoria-based side, who had led through a Carmen Sobrón free-kick, were reduced to ten men in the 86th minute and conceded twice in stoppage time.
The match started with home pressure, but Alavés defended well and found their moment. In the first half, a precisely taken free-kick from Carmen Sobrón found its way past goalkeeper Ana Seoane to make it 0-1. The team held the lead with defensive solidity for much of the contest, containing Dpor Abanca's attempts.
The dynamic changed dramatically with six minutes remaining. Laia Parera was shown a straight red card for a strong challenge on a loose ball. With the numerical advantage, the Galician side piled on the pressure. In the 88th minute, Millene capitalised on a defensive error to equalise. The agony was complete in the 99th minute of a ten-minute added period, when Luca Pardo finished an attacking move to complete the comeback.
Manager's reaction
Alavés manager Quique Sánchez Flores analysed the collapse in his post-match press conference. "We need to change the trend; we have brought mistakes from the past," the coach stated. Meanwhile, player Aitor Mañas, who scored in the recent draw, reflected on the match by saying: "With more time, we would have taken the victory."
This defeat is a setback in the league for Alavés, who remain in seventh place with 12 points after ten games. The team has now lost three of its last five matches, with a record of zero wins, two draws and three defeats. Their next assignment is one of the toughest of the season: a trip to the Camp Nou to face leaders Barcelona next Saturday, 31 October. The Catalans lead Alavés by 15 points in the standings. Striker Luis Rioja remains the team's top scorer this campaign with five goals.
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