Alaves and Girona played to a thrilling 2-2 draw in a closely contested match at Mendizorrotza on Monday night. Both teams were seeking vital points, with Alaves just two points above the relegation zone and Girona enjoying a modest five-point buffer after a recent victory against Barcelona.
The match began with an immediate impact from Alaves, who took the lead just five minutes in. A well-placed ball from Youssef Enriquez found Lucas Boye at the far post, allowing him to secure an early advantage with a simple finish. Girona responded strongly, but it was Boye who threatened again, missing a clear opportunity from a cutback.
Girona’s manager, Michel Sanchez, would have been pleased with the resilience of his team, as they played assertively and maintained a good tempo. The equalizer came just after the half-hour mark when Axel Witsel flicked a ball on at the near post, allowing Vladyslav Vanat to bundle it in from close range.
The second half initially saw both teams play more cautiously, but the introduction of Azzedine Ounahi for Alaves in the 67th minute shifted the game’s momentum. Ounahi was instrumental in creating space in the midfield, and soon after his entrance, he delivered a brilliant pass to Viktor Tsygankov, who rounded the goalkeeper and found the net, putting Girona ahead.
As the match approached its conclusion, Alaves pressed for an equalizer. Ounahi, in fine form, forced a brilliant save from Girona’s keeper Antonio Sivera. However, in a dramatic turn, with just two minutes left on the clock, Boye headed in a cross from Victor Parada, securing a point for Alaves.
In the end, both teams may feel they could have claimed all three points, but the draw allows Alaves to extend their lead above the relegation zone to three points, while Girona maintains a six-point margin. Both managers will look to take positives from the match; Michel Sanchez can highlight his team’s attacking play, while Chacho Coudet will commend his side’s tenacity and fighting spirit. This encounter not only showcases the competitiveness of both teams but also sets an optimistic tone as they continue their respective campaigns.