Deportivo Alavés experienced a decisive weekend with the retention of Antonio Blanco and a resounding victory at Mendizorroza. According to Norte Exprés, the midfielder turned down offers to stay in Vitoria, while Quique Sánchez Flores's team thrashed Osasuna 5-2 with a Lucas Boyé hat-trick.
Why did Antonio Blanco stay at Alavés?
Antonio Blanco will remain a Deportivo Alavés player after the transfer window closed. The defensive midfielder had proposals from other clubs promising higher salaries and exposure. But the player chose to prioritize continuity in a project where he feels valued.
The club also played a key role by not yielding to financial pressure. The Alavés board stood firm on their valuation of the footballer and defended their sporting plan. This stance, combined with the player's desire, sealed his continuity for the current season.
How did Alavés crush Osasuna?
Alavés defeated Osasuna 5-2 in the fourth round of LaLiga EA Sports, a match that ended a 13-game winless streak against the Navarrese side. Lucas Boyé was the star with three goals, the first hat-trick of his professional career. The Argentine opened the scoring with a shot from outside the box in the 27th minute.
Mariano Díaz extended the lead after a defensive error by the visitors. Although Ante Budimir scored twice for Osasuna, Boyé responded with two more goals, including a strike from nearly 30 meters. Pablo Ibáñez sealed the rout in added time. The team shows notable defensive solidity, having conceded only one goal in four games, according to verified data.
What does Alavés's season start mean?
With this win, Alavés has 10 points from a possible 12 and sits second in LaLiga. Quique Sánchez Flores's team is just two points behind leaders Barcelona and has shown significant improvement compared to last campaign. Their current record is five goals scored and one conceded.
The collective performance is supported by individuals in top form. Lucas Boyé, aged 30, already has four goals in the competition, the same tally as stars like Kylian Mbappé. Mariano Díaz is also contributing with three goals and three assists, according to data compiled by Mundo Deportivo. You can check the team's complete progress on our stats page.
What is the team's next challenge?
Alavés now faces its next league commitment away from home. The team will travel to face Racing Santander on September 12. The Cantabrian side currently occupies eleventh place in the table, presenting a challenge at a difficult ground.
This away match will test the unbeaten run of the Vitoria-based team. With seven points from three games and rising form, Alavés aims to consolidate its excellent start to the season. All information about upcoming matches is available in our fixtures calendar.
