Alaves beat Girona by the narrowest margin at the Royalverd Training Center, with Álvaro García scoring in the 91st minute to seal a 1‑0 win. The match, part of the second pre‑season friendly, displayed an Alaves side aiming to improve on its 14th‑place finish in the 2025 table (43 points, 11‑10‑17) and a -12 goal difference.

What happened in the friendly?

Girona started strongly, creating several chances, but Alaves' defence, anchored by Sivera, kept a clean sheet. An early mistake by the babazorros allowed Vanat to threaten, while Bryan Gil brushed the post before halftime. In the second half, the heat took its toll and the game remained level until the final minute, when Rebbach delivered a perfect corner and García headed the ball into the net. Referee Adria Vicente Delmar blew the final whistle with no further goals.

Why does this matter for Alaves?

This modest win provides confidence to Quique Sánchez Flores' squad after finishing 14th in La Liga (43 pts, 11‑10‑17) and conceding 56 goals this season. Following a 1‑2 loss to Rayo Vallecano on May 23, the team has recorded a 3‑0‑2 run in its last five games (LLWWW), though it dropped the two most recent matches. García’s goal, from the club’s youth ranks, highlights squad depth and the ability of academy players to influence crucial moments.

What’s next for the club?

Alaves will continue its preparation tour, aiming to fine‑tune the 4‑4‑2 formation that Quique Álvarez prefers for the campaign, despite having used a 5‑3‑2 in training. The next fixtures include clashes with regional sides and a review of Morante’s injury, which occurred early in the game. The board is also monitoring a potential signing of Miguel Rodríguez from Valencia while deciding the future of Tsygankov.

Key match details

  • Scorer: Álvaro García (91')
  • Stadium: Royalverd Training Center
  • Referee: Adria Vicente Delmar
  • Alaves starting XI: Sivera, Ángel Pérez, Diarrá, Jonny, Tenaglia, Yusi, Blanco, Ibáñez, Aleñá, Mañas, Lucas Boyé.
  • Girona starting XI: Krapyvtsov, Arnau, Frances, Yaakobishbili, Badia, Morante, Van de Beek, Lass, Jastin, Bryan Gil, Vanat.

With this result, Alaves shows it can close out games with solidity and that academy players are ready to contribute to the first team, a vital message ahead of the upcoming La Liga season.