The La Liga 2024-25 season continues to captivate football enthusiasts with intense clashes, and the recent match between Espanyol and Alavés was no exception. Both teams, locked on 7 points from their first five matches (2-1-2), sought a critical victory to move up the table. Espanyol, with home advantage, aimed to overpower Alavés in this riveting contest. The match showcased drama, goals, and tactical brilliance, as both sides delivered a performance worthy of the spotlight.
Espanyol vs Alavés Head to Head
Espanyol and Alavés have had their share of encounters over the years, and this fixture was set to add another chapter to their rivalry. Coming into the match, both teams had identical records this season, with two wins, one draw, and two losses. With Espanyol enjoying home support, they looked to seize the upper hand in this encounter.
Espanyol vs Alavés Lineups
Here is the Espanyol vs Alavés lineups today (Sep 14, 2024)
Espanyol (4-4-2 Formation)
- Goalkeeper: Joan García
- Defenders: Carlos Romero, Leandro Cabrera, Marash Kumbulla, Omar El Hilali
- Midfielders: Jofre Carreras, Álvaro Aguado, Alex Král, Álvaro Tejero
- Forwards: Alejo Véliz, Javi Puado
Substitutes: Fernando Pacheco, Pol Lozano, José Gragera, Sergi Gómez, Brian Oliván, Walid Cheddira, Irvin Cardona
Alavés (4-4-2 Formation)
- Goalkeeper: Antonio Sivera
- Defenders: Nahuel Tenaglia, Manu Sánchez, Abdel Abqar, Aleksandar Sedlar
- Midfielders: Joan Jordán, Tomás Conechny, Stoichkov, Carlos Vicente
- Forwards: Kike García, Toni Martínez
Substitutes: Santiago Mouriño, Ander Guevara, Asier Villalibre, Antonio Blanco
Espanyol vs Alavés First Half
The match started with Espanyol taking early control, with Javier Puado scoring in the 21st minute. Puado’s close-range finish after a precise cross from Álvaro Tejero gave the home side a 1-0 lead. Alavés responded with pressure, and in the 35th minute, Tomás Conechny equalized for Alavés with a well-placed header. The first half ended 1-1, with both teams evenly matched in terms of opportunities.
Half-Time Score: Espanyol 1-1 Alavés
Espanyol vs Alavés Second Half
The second half was packed with action, as Espanyol took control early. In the 56th minute, Javi Puado scored his second goal with a brilliant header, assisted by a perfectly placed cross from Álvaro Tejero, putting Espanyol ahead 2-1. The drama escalated when Espanyol earned a penalty after a foul on Walid Cheddira. Puado converted the penalty in the 63rd minute to complete his hat-trick and make it 3-1 for Espanyol.
Alavés fought back, and in the 68th minute, Nahuel Tenaglia brought them within one goal with a well-taken header from a cross by Joan Jordán. Despite continued pressure from Alavés, Espanyol’s defense held firm, and the match ended with Espanyol winning 3-2.
Espanyol vs Alavés Full-Time Score: Espanyol 3-2 Alavés
Espanyol vs Alavés Stats
| Espanyol vs Alavés Stats | Espanyol | Alavés |
| Possession | 37.9% | 62.1% |
| Shots on Goal | 4 | 6 |
| Total Attempts | 9 | 19 |
| Fouls | 17 | 14 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 3 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Corners | 0 | 5 |
| Saves | 4 | 1 |
Espanyol vs Alavés Timeline
- 21′ – Goal! Espanyol 1-0 Alavés. Javi Puado scores from close range.
- 35′ – Goal! Espanyol 1-1 Alavés. Tomás Conechny levels the score with a header.
- 56′ – Goal! Espanyol 2-1 Alavés. Puado nets his second with a header.
- 63′ – Goal! Espanyol 3-1 Alavés. Puado completes his hat-trick with a penalty.
- 68′ – Goal! Espanyol 3-2 Alavés. Nahuel Tenaglia heads one in to reduce the deficit.
- 90+7′ – Full-time: Espanyol 3-2 Alavés.
Impact on the Points Table
The victory for Espanyol moves them up to 10 points, placing them in a stronger position in the La Liga 2024-25 table. Alavés, with this loss, remain on 7 points, missing a crucial opportunity to climb higher. Espanyol’s three points were vital in keeping their momentum alive as they seek to challenge the upper half of the table.
Espanyol vs Alavés Man of the Match
Without a doubt, Javi Puado was the standout player of the match. His hat-trick not only secured the win for Espanyol but also showcased his clinical finishing and ability to capitalize on key moments. His goals, especially the pressure-converting penalty, made the difference in a hard-fought battle.
The Espanyol vs Alavés clash in the 2024-25 La Liga season was a thrilling contest full of energy and competitive spirit. Espanyol, led by Puado’s brilliance, managed to clinch a hard-earned victory despite Alavés’ relentless attempts to fight back. This win propels Espanyol up the standings, while Alavés will look to bounce back in the next match. As the season progresses, both teams will aim to build on their performances and secure valuable points in this highly competitive league.
