Alaves 1 - 1 FT Oviedo

Chaos at Mendizorrotza as Ten Meets Ten

Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 63/100. A high-stakes relegation battle exploded into life in the second half, ending in a stalemate that helps neither side's survival hopes in this grueling La Liga campaign.

A Second Half Explosion

From the first whistle, the Intensity was palpable. This wasn't just a match; it was a survival exercise at Estadio Mendizorrotza. After a cagey first half where tactical discipline reigned supreme, the game finally cracked wide open in the 56th minute. I. Chaira turned provider, delivering a pinpoint ball for F. Vinas to strike the opening blow for Oviedo. The visitors, sitting bottom of the table, sensed a massive Upset Factor, but the lead proved fragile.

The Alaves response was swift and uncompromising. Pushing higher up the pitch, the hosts found their lifeline in the 69th minute. L. Boye pounced on a loose ball in the box, burying his effort to restore Balance to the scoreline. The introduction of Carlos Vicente from the bench provided the necessary width to stretch the Oviedo backline, but the drama was only just beginning.

Red Mist and Goalkeeping Heroics

As the Stakes mounted, so did the aggression. The game turned on its head in the 76th minute when the visitors’ goalscorer, F. Vinas, was shown a straight red card for roughing. Oviedo were forced into a desperate defensive stand, relying on a structure that had been relatively solid despite Alaves' 58% possession. However, the numerical advantage for the hosts evaporated in the 88th minute when C. Protesoni also saw red, leaving both teams to navigate the final moments with ten men.

In a match where Oviedo actually produced the better quality of chances (2.04 xG to 1.59), Antonio Sivera emerged as the savior for Alaves. His five crucial saves were the difference between a hard-earned point and a devastating home defeat. With Jon Pacheco marshalling the defense through the final chaotic minutes, the spoils were shared. For Oviedo, it is a point that keeps them fighting; for Alaves, it is a missed opportunity to pull clear of the danger zone.

Survival Scrap at Mendizorrotza

Skip It Futmetrix Score: 31/100. A gritty relegation battle where tactical caution and the fear of losing will likely stifle any attacking flair.

The Setup

The Stakes couldn't be clearer as we head into this January clash at Estadio Mendizorrotza. Both Alaves and Oviedo are desperate for points to escape the pull of the bottom three. The Form guide makes for grim reading; the visitors have managed only two wins all season, while the hosts have lost four of their last five. The Balance of the match favors the home side primarily due to Oviedo's anaemic attack, which has produced a league-low seven goals in seventeen fixtures.

Key Battle

With a lack of genuine Stars on display, this match will be won in the mud of the midfield. The primary tactical battle features the Alaves high press against Oviedo’s deep defensive block. Oviedo will look to frustrate and play for a scoreless draw, forcing the home side to find a creative spark that has been missing for much of the winter. It will be a test of patience versus pragmatism.

Our Prediction

Expect a match short on quality and long on fouls. Alaves will dominate possession by default, but breaking down a stubborn Oviedo side won't be easy. We predict a narrow 1-0 victory for the hosts, likely decided by a single set-piece or a defensive lapse late in the second half. Honestly, this is one for the purists only—feel free to skip it.