Defeat at Mendizorroza | OneFootball

A Lucas Boyé goal proved decisive for the hosts in a match in which Villarreal lacked a cutting edge in front of goal

Villarreal lost at Mendizorroza (1-0). The Yellows controlled possession and created most of the chances, but were narrowly beaten by Deportivo Alavés. A first-half goal from Lucas Boyé and Villarreal’s lack of finishing in the final third confirmed their first defeat of the season.

After securing two valuable draws against Racing and Atlético de Madrid, Villarreal were looking for their first win of the LALIGA EA Sports campaign. Iñigo Pérez’s side travelled to Vitoria determined to conquer Mendizorroza, a historically difficult venue for the Yellows, and finally claim all three points. It was a reward they had chased at El Sardinero after a remarkable comeback and one they arguably deserved at the Metropolitano before it slipped away in the closing stages.

To face Alavés, Iñigo Pérez made just two changes to the team that had started the opening two matches. Tajon Buchanan and Gerard Moreno, both influential at the Metropolitano, came into the starting XI in place of Alberto Moleiro and Ayoze Pérez. The remaining nine players were unchanged: Júnior in goal; Mouriño, Foyth, Veiga and Romero in defence; Pepe, Comesaña, Gueye and Buchanan in midfield; and Gerard alongside Mikautadze in attack.

As the Villarreal coach had highlighted before the match, matching the emotional intensity and energy of an Alavés side full of confidence after taking four points from their first two games would be crucial.

The first clear chance fell to Villarreal. Before the fifth minute, Gerard had an opportunity to open the scoring following a scrappy move inside the area. The No. 7 fired wide after receiving a pass from Mouriño, who had flicked on a Buchanan cross from the right.

As the game progressed, the Yellow Submarine increased their dominance in possession. By the midway point of the first half, Villarreal had pinned Alavés back inside their own half. However, it was the hosts who struck first. With their first shot on target, Alavés made it 1-0 as Lucas Boyé finished first time from an Ángel cross delivered from the right.

In the 42nd minute, Gerard had another opportunity to score. Once again he was found by Mouriño, but this time Sivera produced the save. The teams went into the break with the hosts leading by a single goal.

In the second half, Villarreal increased the intensity in search of an equaliser, but Alavés defended intelligently and made it extremely difficult to create clear chances. To unlock the Basque side’s defence, Iñigo Pérez made a triple substitution on the hour mark, introducing Ayoze, Moleiro and Freeman for Comesaña, Buchanan and Mouriño in a clearly attacking move.

In the 65th minute, Ayoze had a great chance to level the score after pouncing on a loose ball inside the area, but Sivera once again came to Alavés’ rescue. Villarreal kept pressing forward, but the goal would not come.

Later, in the 77th minute, Sivera denied Pepe, who struck a low angled effort after controlling a ball behind the home defence. Another clear chance arrived for Ayoze in the 83rd minute from the edge of the area, yet Sivera again stood firm to frustrate the Yellow Submarine.

The best opportunity of the match fell to Juan Foyth in the closing stages. The Argentine defender struck the post from inside the area, and the rebound then hit the opposite upright. It simply was not Villarreal’s night in front of goal. Combined with Alavés’ disciplined defensive performance, it meant the Yellow Submarine left Mendizorroza empty-handed.