Valencia secured a 1-0 victory at Estadio de Mendizorroza, with the decisive moment arriving in the second half. Luis Rioja finished after a setup from Javier Guerra Moreno, the goal timestamped at 01:17:53 and the assist noted at 01:18:00. The result underscores Valencia’s capacity to seize the decisive moment in a tight contest.

Both teams registered 3 shots on target, but Alavés produced 12 shots off target compared with Valencia’s 7. This contrast highlights Alavés’ volume in the final third without the finishing quality to convert, while Valencia limited wasteful efforts and capitalised on the correct moments. The finishing efficiency was the critical separator in a low-scoring encounter.

Valencia created more set-piece opportunities, earning 5 corners to Alavés’ 2, indicating a wider attacking approach and sustained pressure in wide areas. Offside calls were 4 for Valencia and 3 for Alavés, suggesting Valencia pushed their forward runs slightly more aggressively to stretch the defensive line. The combination of wide play and set-pieces appears to have disrupted Alavés’ defensive shape enough to create the winning moment.

Valencia’s foul count (14) was nearly double Alavés’ (7), and they collected four yellow cards to Alavés’ one, with no red cards shown. The higher card tally points to Valencia’s aggressive press and higher defensive intensity, which kept the hosts under pressure for longer spells but at the cost of disciplinary risk. This discipline gap helped the visitors manage the game’s tempo after taking the lead.

Defensively, Valencia preserved a clean sheet, limiting Alavés to a single goal threat that ultimately failed to alter the result. Javier Guerra Moreno’s influence extended beyond the assist, as he also drew a first-half yellow, highlighting his dual impact in creating opportunities and committing in midfield and wide areas. The teamwork around the goal demonstrates Valencia’s ability to connect possession with decisive actions in the final third.

From a tactical perspective, Valencia’s plan to exploit width and set-piece opportunities paid off by producing the decisive moment in a tightly contested match. Alavés’ attacking volume did not translate into a practical finishing edge, despite the high off-target tally, while Valencia’s conversion in the crucial phase determined the outcome. Overall, the data suggests Valencia’s efficiency in the decisive moment and broader set-piece threat were the most significant factors influencing the result.

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