Alaves vs Villarreal Result

Alaves
Full Time

Villarreal
📍 Estadio Mendizorrotza, Vitoria-Gasteiz
🗓️ Friday, 13 Mar 2026 at 20:00
😅 AI Prediction Report
CLOSE BUT NO CIGARPredicted
1 - 2
Actual
1 - 1
💰 Bet Results0/1 hit
Estimated ROI (£100/bet)
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£-100
-100% ROI
Late Villarreal Equaliser Denies Alaves in Tense Mendizorrotza Stalemate
Alaves and Villarreal played out a dramatic 1-1 draw at Estadio Mendizorrotza, with the visitors snatching a point in the dying moments. The hosts looked set for victory after taking the lead in the 40th minute, but Villarreal’s persistence paid off with a crucial equaliser at the 90th minute. Both sides had their chances, but neither could assert full dominance in a match marked by tactical discipline and late drama. Alaves, lining up in a 3-5-2, managed to frustrate Villarreal for much of the contest, despite conceding slightly more possession (48% to Villarreal’s 52%). Villarreal, operating in a 4-4-2, created the better opportunities overall, registering 10 shots with 4 on target, compared to Alaves’ 8 attempts without a single effort on target. The hosts’ defensive resilience was ultimately undone at the last, leaving both teams to settle for a share of the spoils.
Alaves
Alaves delivered a spirited display, especially in the first half, where their compact 3-5-2 setup allowed them to stifle Villarreal’s attacking threats and break forward with purpose. Their opening goal in the 40th minute was a reward for their enterprise, but the inability to register a single shot on target across eight attempts highlighted their attacking limitations. The hosts’ aggressive approach was reflected in their 18 fouls and four yellow cards, as they sought to disrupt Villarreal’s rhythm. Despite defending bravely for much of the second half, Alaves were ultimately punished for sitting too deep, conceding an equaliser at the death. Their lack of attacking threat after the break meant they invited pressure, and their profligacy in front of goal cost them two valuable points.
Key Players
Strengths
Weaknesses
Villarreal
Villarreal showed resilience and patience, controlling possession and gradually turning the screw as the match wore on. Their 4-4-2 formation allowed them to stretch the play, and they looked the more likely to score in the second half, finishing with 10 shots and 4 on target. Despite falling behind before half-time, they maintained composure and pushed for an equaliser, which finally arrived in the 90th minute. While Villarreal’s attacking play was more incisive than Alaves’, they were often frustrated by the hosts’ deep block and physicality. Their relatively low foul count (11) and only two yellow cards reflected a disciplined approach, and their late goal was just reward for their persistence.
Key Players
Strengths
Weaknesses
Key Moments
40' — Goal
Lucas Boyé puts Alaves ahead, finishing a well-worked move to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
45' — Yellow Card
Nahuel Tenaglia (Alaves) booked for a tactical foul, highlighting the hosts’ aggressive approach.
60' — Yellow Card
Antonio Blanco (Alaves) shown yellow for persistent fouling as Villarreal ramp up the pressure.
75' — Yellow Card
Pape Gueye (Villarreal) cautioned for a late challenge as frustration grows.
90' — Goal
Georges Mikautadze levels for Villarreal with a composed finish, breaking Alaves’ resistance at the death.
Tactical Analysis
Alaves’ 3-5-2 formation provided defensive solidity and numbers in midfield, allowing them to disrupt Villarreal’s passing lanes and break up play effectively. Their wing-backs were disciplined, rarely venturing forward in the second half, which helped maintain their shape but limited attacking support. The hosts’ reliance on quick transitions and set pieces was evident, but their lack of cutting edge up front was exposed by their failure to register a shot on target. Villarreal’s 4-4-2 offered width and balance, with midfielders like Pape Gueye dictating play and wide players stretching the Alaves backline. As the match progressed, Villarreal pushed their full-backs higher and committed more players forward, eventually overwhelming Alaves’ deep block. Their patient build-up and late attacking substitutions paid off, culminating in a deserved equaliser.
Turning Point
Georges Mikautadze’s 90th-minute equaliser, which broke Alaves’ resistance and ensured Villarreal left with a point.
Man of the Match
Georges Mikautadze
Scored the dramatic late equaliser and was Villarreal’s most persistent attacking threat throughout the match.