Deportivo Alavés stopped Athletic Club at San Mamés and took a valuable point from a goalless draw. The Vitoria-based side halted a run of two consecutive defeats with a solid defensive display that included a penalty save from goalkeeper Antonio Sivera.
The keeper was key in the 70th minute, when he stopped Oihan Sancet's spot-kick. That was the big chance for an Athletic side that, despite dominating possession and rotating their lineup, found a wall in the Alavés defence. Quique Sánchez Flores set up a 5-3-2 with Abdallahi, Guevara and Otto centrally, flanked by Tenaglia and Mariano, a compact block that gave few opportunities.
"Two more points flew away from San Mamés," noted Iñaki Ugalde, summarising the local frustration. Edin Terzic's Athletic, who changed their defence at half-time with the introduction of Areso, were repeatedly repelled. Yuri Berchiche tested Sivera with a shot, but the lack of a traditional centre-forward hampered the Bilbao team. The local coach acknowledged the difficulty in creating clear chances against a very deep-lying opponent.
For Alavés, the point provides important breathing room and places them sixth in LaLiga EA Sports with 10 points after six matchdays. Visiting manager Quique Sánchez Flores highlighted the tactical discipline and sacrifice of his players to achieve the defensive lockout at a ground as tough as San Mamés.
The team now looks ahead to its next challenge, a high-voltage clash against Atlético Madrid at Mendizorrotza on October 10th. With a recent run of two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five games, the aim is to maintain the solidity shown in Bilbao. The absence of Aitor Mañas, along with Facundo Garcés and Mikel Rodriguez, remains a factor to manage.
The collective work, with Sivera as an active spectator and an impenetrable defence, allowed Alavés to emerge unscathed from one of the league's toughest grounds. The point feels like a win and boosts the confidence of a squad that showed character to stop a heavyweight rival. For their part, Athletic must rethink their finishing after a second consecutive home game without scoring.
More detail at Mundo Deportivo
