Valencia left Vitoria with a 1-0 win over Alavés, thanks to a late goal from Luis Rioja. The result pushed Alavés down to fourth in La Liga and kept Valencia clear of the relegation zone.
Valencia dealt Alavés a setback in their strong start to the season, leaving Vitoria with a 1-0 win that shook up the La Liga standings. The only goal came late, but its consequences were immediate: Alavés, who started the day in second place, dropped to fourth. Valencia, meanwhile, stayed above the relegation line.
Neither team found much rhythm for most of the match. Valencia saw more of the ball, about 60 percent in the first half, but struggled to create real chances. Alavés managed the only two clear opportunities before halftime, exposing Valencia’s lack of threat up front.
Miguel Sesma Espinosa officiated the match at Estadio de Mendizorroza, with Valentín Pizarro Gómez overseeing VAR duties.
The breakthrough arrived in the 78th minute. Javier Guerra slipped a pass into the Alavés box, and Luis Rioja finished calmly past the keeper. That moment settled a match defined by missed chances and solid defending on both sides.
Valencia registered 13 shots to Alavés' 10, while both teams managed just five shots on target combined, ESPN Deportes reported. The win ended Valencia’s four-match losing streak and gave interim coach Óscar Sánchez a positive start.
Alavés, led by Quique Sánchez, had been one of the league’s early surprises. The loss dropped them to fourth place with 10 points. For Valencia, the win kept some distance from the bottom of the table and provided a boost heading into the next round.
Next, Valencia will host Real Sociedad at Mestalla. Alavés faces a difficult away game at San Mamés against Athletic Club de Bilbao. With the table tightening, both teams will feel the pressure as every point starts to matter more.
La Liga’s top teams have faced injuries and unpredictable results in recent weeks, as a recent report on Real Madrid’s own struggles showed. The current shake-up at the top illustrates how quickly things can change early in the season. Valencia took their chance, while Alavés could not respond. In a league where the margins are small, execution matters more than possession or reputation.
