LaLiga: Alavés Keeps Survival Chances Alive with 1-0 Win at Home to Valencia

Alaves secures vital 1-0 win over Valencia, strengthening their position above the LaLiga relegation zone.

Deportivo Alaves secured a crucial 1-0 win over Valencia, significantly boosting their LaLiga survival hopes. The victory ended Valencia's impressive 10-game unbeaten run under Carlos Corberan.

Valencia dominated the early stages, nearly scoring just seconds into the match, but Alaves' resilience paid off as they managed to shut out the visitors and claim all three points.

Luis Rioja's return to the Mendizorroza Stadium proved eventful, as he came close to scoring against his former club. His expertly struck shot forced Alavés goalkeeper Antonio Sivera to make a spectacular save at the near post. The visitors continued to pressure Sivera, and five minutes later, a last-ditch defensive block denied Pepelu's potentially decisive strike.

Against the run of play, however, Alaves were denied the lead in the 16th minute as Giorgi Mamardashvili pulled off a stunning one-handed save to keep out Jon Guridi’s close-range header.

The Georgian goalkeeper was back in the thick of the action soon after, as at the second time of asking, he managed to get both hands on Nahuel Tenaglia’s long-range strike after initially spilling the defender’s effort.

In a complete turnaround from the game’s outset, Eduardo Coudet’s side forced Mamardashvili into a hat-trick of saves, as Ander Guevara's fierce free-kick had to be redirected over the crossbar.

Frustratingly for the hosts, half-time came too soon, as Valencia’s hard-working shot-stopper received a well-deserved 15-minute break after keeping out another effort, this time from Carlos Vicente.

FT: #AlavésValencia 1-0

Jordán stays calm from the spot to earn a crucial 3 points for @Alaves. 💙#DesenlaceLALIGA | #LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/EE2GiESr0q

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) May 14, 2025

Alavés knew they couldn't rely on other results going in their favor, despite their closest relegation rivals, Leganés, being 3-0 down to Villarreal at halftime. They focused on securing the win themselves.

Considering that, the hosts continued where they left off after nine minutes of the second half, as the all-action figure of Mamardashvili palmed Carles Alena’s header around his near post.

The hosts were persistent, as once again, Valencia’s stopper was called into action, this time the Georgian was forced to tip Antonio Blanco’s cross-cum-shot over. 

The game's turning point came in the 79th minute when Joan Jordan scored a controversial penalty for Alavés. Referee Jesus Gil Manzano awarded the spot-kick after Mamardashvili appeared to make contact with Santiago Mourino while trying to punch the ball clear, despite VAR scrutiny and debate over the decision.

In a carbon copy of December’s reverse fixture, the Sevilla loanee again netted from 12 yards to hand Alaves a four-point safety net above the relegation zone with only two matches left this season.

Meanwhile, Valencia still hold a slim chance of finishing in the top eight despite falling to an unforeseen result, considering recent form, at the Mendizorroza.