Tenaglia's Stoppage-Time Rescue: Alavés Survives Three-Act Drama at Mendizorrotza

Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 59/100. When the clock ticked toward 90 at Mendizorrotza, Alavés learned that football rewards intensity: Nahuel Tenaglia sealed a 2-1 victory that transforms this season opener into a masterclass in resilience.

Balance Shattered, Drama Forged

Three lead changes define this battle. Toni Martínez struck first in the 36th minute with Carles Alena's assist, but Levante refused to fold. The equalizer arrived in the 68th when Javi Tolján leveled the stakes, dragging everything toward a climactic finish. At the 90-minute mark, Tenaglia emerged from defense to shatter balance and deliver three points to the hosts. An intensity rating of 7.8 reflected that war of attrition.

Possession Dominates, Pressure Persists

Alavés controlled the ball with 62% possession and fired 15 total shots, yet Levante proved no passive victim. With just 38% possession, the visitors generated 7 shots and pressed at every turn. Alavés's 11 corners were symptomatic of tactical importance: every aerial ball was a weapon. Antonio Blanco powered the home midfield, orchestrating play with a 7.5 rating that undersells his real impact.

The Upset Factor: Levante Never Surrendered

On the table, Alavés jumped to seventh place with three opening points, while Levante fell to 15th after their first defeat (0 points). But the numbers don't tell the full story. Levante, with 1.29 xG versus 0.87, had more clear-cut chances than the scoreline suggests. The upset factor lay in their ability to survive in inferiority. Three lead changes in 90 minutes is rare; that it happens on matchday one is exceptional.

Tenaglia: From Anonymity to Legend

Rated 8.2, the Argentine defender transcended his defensive brief. His 90th-minute goal transformed a career in defense into a season-opening legend. While Martínez (7.6) and Blanco paved the road, it was Tenaglia who wrote the final chapter.