BARCELONA, SPAIN — Lucas Boyé emerged as the match-winner, firing Alavés to a vital 2-1 victory over Espanyol at RCDE Stadium in a contest that saw the visitors' clinical edge prove the difference. The Argentine striker's 71st-minute finish, his second goal involvement of the afternoon, handed struggling Alavés three precious points in their battle against relegation while dealing a significant blow to Espanyol's European ambitions.
The opening exchanges saw both sides probing cautiously, with possession split almost evenly at 50.4% to 49.6% in Espanyol's favor. Marko Dmitrovic was called into action early, producing a fine save in the 10th minute to deny Toni Martínez's left-footed effort from distance after Pablo Ibáñez's clever assist. The Serbian goalkeeper would be tested repeatedly throughout the afternoon, ultimately making five saves to keep his side in contention.
Espanyol thought they had broken the deadlock in the 15th minute when Roberto Fernández powered a header toward goal from the center of the box, only to see it cleared off the line. The home side's frustration would deepen moments later when Alavés seized the initiative through a moment of individual brilliance. Antonio Blanco collected the ball 25 yards from goal following a set piece and unleashed a magnificent left-footed strike that arrowed into the bottom left corner, leaving Dmitrovic with no chance.
The visitors nearly doubled their advantage before the interval, with Martínez meeting Carles Aleñá's pinpoint cross with a powerful header that Dmitrovic did well to save in first-half stoppage time. Boyé also tested the Espanyol goalkeeper in the 37th minute, forcing another save with a right-footed attempt from outside the area. Alavés' attacking intent was clear, and their shot accuracy of 64% reflected their clinical approach in the final third.
Espanyol emerged from the break with renewed purpose, and their pressure finally told in the 65th minute. Carlos Romero delivered a dangerous cross from the left flank, and Kike García rose highest to meet it with a header that Antonio Sivera could only parry. The rebound fell kindly for Roberto Fernández, who made no mistake from close range, tucking the ball into the bottom left corner to restore parity.
The home side sensed an opportunity to complete the turnaround, and Pere Milla came agonizingly close just two minutes later. His left-footed effort from the center of the box was well-struck, but Sivera positioned himself perfectly to make the save. That miss would prove costly, as Alavés regained the lead within four minutes through a devastating counter-attack.
Toni Martínez, who had been a constant threat throughout, turned provider in the 71st minute. His perfectly weighted pass found Boyé in space inside the penalty area, and the striker made no mistake, drilling a right-footed shot through the center of goal and beyond Dmitrovic's despairing dive. The RCDE Stadium fell silent as the visitors celebrated what would prove to be the winning goal.
Espanyol threw everything forward in search of another equalizer, introducing fresh legs through a series of substitutions. Tyrhys Dolan and Pere Milla were summoned from the bench, and the home side created several late opportunities. Rubén Sánchez saw his header sail high and wide in the 90th minute, while Kike García missed another chance three minutes into stoppage time, heading Edu Expósito's cross off target.
The statistics painted a picture of a closely contested affair, with Espanyol edging the corner count 4-2 and both teams committing 15 fouls apiece. However, Alavés' superior shot accuracy proved decisive, as they put seven of their 11 attempts on target compared to Espanyol's three from 10. Antonio Blanco received the only yellow card of the match, a testament to the competitive but largely fair nature of the contest.
Fernando Calero and Leandro Cabrera worked tirelessly in Espanyol's backline, but they struggled to contain the movement of Boyé and Martínez. At the other end, Jon Pacheco and Facundo Garcés stood firm for Alavés, with Sivera's shot-stopping providing the final line of defense when needed. The goalkeeper's five saves matched Dmitrovic's tally, but it was the visitors who capitalized on their clearer opportunities.
The defeat represents a significant setback for Espanyol's push toward European qualification, as they remain in fifth place but now face questions about their ability to maintain their lofty position. For Alavés, languishing in 16th place with just 19 points, this victory could prove pivotal in their survival bid. The manner of the win, built on defensive resilience and clinical finishing, will give Eduardo Coudet's side genuine belief heading into the crucial weeks ahead.
The final whistle sparked contrasting emotions, with Alavés' traveling supporters celebrating wildly while the home faithful departed in frustrated silence. Espanyol had dominated possession and created chances, but football's cruel reality is that opportunities mean nothing without conversion. Alavés demonstrated the ruthlessness required in a relegation battle, and their ability to strike twice from limited openings showcased the predatory instincts that could yet preserve their top-flight status.
Alavés host Getafe on February 8, a fixture that suddenly carries renewed optimism after this morale-boosting triumph on hostile territory.