Aitor Mañas’ 89th-minute goal earns Alaves a 1-1 draw with Malaga

Aitor Mañas struck in the 89th minute to earn Alaves a 1-1 draw with Malaga, cancelling out the visitors’ late first-half lead. The result leaves both sides with a point from the completed La Liga fixture.

Mañas changes the outcome

Malaga scored the opener in the 44th minute when Adrian Nino made it 0-1, with Ramón Enríquez providing the assist. Alaves then found the equaliser in the 89th minute through Aitor Mañas, whose goal made the running score 1-1 and ended Malaga’s advantage.

The timing changed a match that had appeared to be moving towards a Malaga win. Alaves made five listed substitutions, including the introductions of Hugo Novoa Ramos, Youssef Enriquez, Denis Suárez and Toni Martínez. Malaga also changed two players, with José Salinas and Rafael Rodríguez Ruiz coming on.

Alaves had the greater attacking volume

The statistics point to Alaves controlling more of the game despite needing a late goal to draw. They had 63% possession, 17 total shots to Malaga’s 6, and 11 shots inside the box compared with 4. Alaves also won 7 corners to 2 and recorded an expected-goals figure of 1.88 against Malaga’s 0.63. Both teams registered 3 shots on goal, while each goalkeeper made 2 saves.

Lucas Boyé and Nahuel Tenaglia were booked for Alaves. Carlos Dotor and Juan Francisco Funes Arjona received Malaga’s two yellow cards; neither side was shown a red card.

Both teams remain in their provisional places

Alaves moved from 11 points to 12 and are provisionally #7 after 10 matches. Malaga rose from 4 points to 5 and are provisionally #20. Alaves remain 7 points ahead of Malaga, 12 v 5. Mañas was the standout performer, earning an 8.2 rating after 15 minutes and scoring the equaliser.