Rioja’s Goal Gives Valencia a 1–0 Win at Alavés

Early chances at both ends

Valencia opened with a Javi Guerra counterattack that Alavés stopped in the area. Guido Rodríguez then shot wide from outside the box. Danjuma finished a move involving de Haas and Guerra, but the goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review. Toni Martínez answered with an effort from outside the area around the 10th minute.

Pablo Maffeo tested Alavés goalkeeper Sivera from distance around the 21st minute. At the other end, Ángel Pérez set up attempts for Martínez and Pablo Ibáñez, but neither scored. Valencia goalkeeper Dimitrievski also saved a long shot from Pérez and a Ville Koski header before halftime.

Alavés chances after halftime

Martínez narrowly missed from an Ibáñez pass after the break, and Lucas Boyé had a shot blocked after Tenaglia supplied him. With the match still awaiting its first goal, Valencia brought on Luis Rioja for Hugo Duro around the 63rd minute and later introduced Otorbi for Rodríguez around the 70th.

Rioja decides it, and Valencia closes out the win

Rioja scored the match’s only goal, with Guerra providing the assist. After Valencia took the lead, Otorbi missed from a Guerra counterattacking pass, and Sivera saved a Danjuma attempt. Alavés had a late chance when Valentini crossed for Boyé, but Dimitrievski stopped his header. Valencia won 1–0 at Mendizorroza.