Alaves 2 - 1 FT Levante

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.

Desperation takes centre stage at the stadium

Skip It Futmetrix Score: 14/100. This is a match defined by the paralyzing fear of defeat rather than the pursuit of clinical football.

The Setup

On August 16, 2025, Alaves host a match that could dictate their trajectory for the remainder of the season. While the hosts sit in 14th, Levante are already gasping for air in 19th place, having secured just two wins from fourteen outings. Current Form is a major concern for both managers; Alaves have slumped to four defeats in their last five, while the visitors are desperate to snap a winless streak. The Balance of the squad dynamics suggests a lack of tactical identity, leading to a match where the Stakes of the relegation battle will override any aesthetic concerns. With no marquee Stars available to provide a moment of magic, this will be a test of which side possesses the greater collective resolve.

Key Battle

Without standout individual performers in the current data, the tactical war will be won in the transition phases. The Alaves midfield must prioritize stability to prevent the Levante counter-attack, which remains their only viable route to goal. It is a battle of survival instincts: a fragile home defense against a visiting attack that has struggled for consistency throughout the campaign.

Our Prediction

Expect a cagey, stop-start affair where neither side is willing to overcommit. The match will likely be dominated by physical duels and second balls rather than fluid passing sequences. Levante may find a breakthrough via a defensive lapse, but the hosts should have enough grit to equalize from a set-piece. A 1-1 draw is the most probable outcome, leaving both teams still searching for answers. Final: 1-1.