Deportivo Alavés vs Villarreal preview

Spain flag 2026/2027 La Liga, Spain
Estadio de Mendizorroza
La Liga
Deportivo AlavésALA
1 0
VillarrealVIL
Full Time
Round 3 Regular Season
Lucas Boyé - 31'
Goal
|

CONTEXT

Deportivo Alavés faced Villarreal and secured a 1-0 victory with the halftime score also standing at 1-0. Alavés operated with 25 percent possession while Villarreal controlled 75 percent of the ball. The home side recorded 0.74 expected goals against the visitors 1.57 expected goals creating an xG differential of minus 0.83. No red cards were shown to either team. Alavés claimed the win despite Villarreal being the stronger side on paper and despite the outcome running counter to the expected goals data. The single goal arrived in the first half and proved sufficient to deliver the three points. Possession dominance by Villarreal did not translate into an equal share of scoring opportunities that could overturn the narrow deficit. The match remained low scoring throughout with limited clear chances created by either side after the interval.

TL;DR

  • Structural deviation: Final score: Deportivo Alavés 1-0 Villarreal. Deportivo Alavés showed a significant deviation from the pre-match structural baseline.
  • Efficiency shift: The efficiency shift remained in line with observed performance levels.
  • xG alignment: The result did not align with xG values as Villarreal posted the higher figure.
  • Market alignment: The outcome stayed aligned with pre-match indicators.
  • xG expectations: Villarreal carried higher xG expectations yet failed to convert them into goals.
  • Event impact: The early goal delivered the decisive event impact on the 1-0 scoreline.
  • Red card distortion: No red cards occurred so there was no red card distortion in the result.
No standings statistics available.
No head-to-head records found.
0.5+ goals: 85%
1.5+ goals: 70%
2.5+ goals: 50%
3.5+ goals: 25%
Confidence: High (≥8 matches)

Quality vs Volume

Home: xG 1.8, Shots 12, xG/Shot 0.15
Away: xG 1.5, Shots 14, xG/Shot 0.11

Open Play vs Set Play

Open Play: 65%
Set Play: 35%

Expected Points

TeamxPts
Home1.8
Away1.2
ℹ️ Methodology: Expected Goals (xG) measures shot quality
I. Díaz de Mera Escuderos
I. Díaz de Mera Escuderos
Referee • 25 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 30.32
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 4
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0.36
League Avg 0
D. Santaursula Aguado
D. Santaursula Aguado
1st Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
R. Campo Hernández
R. Campo Hernández
2nd Assistant • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
R. Ruipérez Marín
R. Ruipérez Marín
4th Official • 0 matches
Fouls / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Yellow Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Red Cards / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Penalties / Match
Referee 0
League Avg 0
Deportivo Alavés E. Sánchez Flores
E. Sánchez Flores
VS
Villarreal I. Pérez Soto
I. Pérez Soto
1.43
Avg Points / Game (Last 100 Matches)
1.53
1.83 i
Last 6 Opponents
Rayo Vallecano Rank: 81 D
Getafe Rank: 79 W
Rayo Vallecano Rank: 81 L
Real Oviedo Rank: 70 W
FC Barcelona Rank: 96 W
Elche Rank: 76 D
Avg Points / Game (Last 6 Matches)
1 i
Last 6 Opponents
Atlético de Madrid Rank: 89 D
Racing Santander Rank: 76 D
Atlético de Madrid Rank: 88 W
Rayo Vallecano Rank: 81 L
Sevilla Rank: 78 L
Mallorca Rank: 77 D
1
Head to Head (Wins - Draws - Losses)
1 - 1 - 2
2

Team Power Ranking

i
What is Power Ranking?
Power ranking is SportMonks' model-based team strength indicator. Historical input capped to 2 seasons.
79.52
85.8
0 (Weakest) 100 (Strongest)
Metric
Deportivo Alavés
Villarreal
Power Score
79.52
85.8
League Position
5
10
Global Rank
82
34

Form Analysis Opponent-Weighted

Line chart of recent results (points/trend). Friendlies excluded by default. Hover for opponent, result, xG/xGA and power ranking — based on last 6 matches.

–
vs
Deportivo Alavés — Opponent-weighted form score
Villarreal — Opponent-weighted form score
Win (3 pts) Draw (1 pt) Loss (0 pts) Deportivo Alavés Villarreal

Heatmaps Ball coordinates

Attack and defence zones from ball position data. Filters: last 6 matches (overall/home/away), time period, competition.

–
vs

Deportivo Alavés

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —

Villarreal

Left / Center / Right —
Opposition half density —
vs season average —
Possession Efficiency data not available for this match.

Set Pieces Efficiency Attack & Defence

Set-piece reliance and strength using expected metrics and actual outcomes for each team.

Deportivo Alavés
vs
Villarreal
Created Set-piece attacking threat
Deportivo Alavés Villarreal
Set-piece xG Share Share of total expected goals generated from set pieces. Higher = more set-piece reliant in attack.
21%
28%
Goals per Match Average set-piece goals scored per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xG) Goals scored minus set-piece xG. Positive = overperforming; Negative = underperforming expectations.
-0.15 vs -0.43
Conceded Set-piece defensive exposure
Deportivo Alavés Villarreal
Set-piece xGA Share Share of total expected goals conceded from set pieces. Higher = more exposed to set pieces defensively.
28%
21%
Conceded per Match Average set-piece goals conceded per match.
0.00 0.00
vs Expected (xGA) Goals conceded minus set-piece xGA. Positive = conceding more than expected (bad); Negative = conceding less than expected (good).
-0.43 vs -0.15
Deportivo Alavés
Villarreal
xG Share = set-piece xG ÷ total xG
vs Expected = goals − set-piece xG

Counter / Transition Attack & Defence

What happens in the 15 seconds immediately after possession changes hands — based on Last 6 matches.

–
Deportivo Alavés
vs
Villarreal
Attack After Winning Possession transition → offence
Deportivo Alavés Villarreal
Goals per Match Average goals scored within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Shots per Match Average shots taken within 15s of winning the ball per match. ↑ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Average dangerous attacks launched within 15s of winning possession per match. ↑ better
—
—
Transition Efficiency Index Composite score (0–1) of how efficiently this team attacks within 15s of winning the ball. Higher = more dangerous on transition. Higher = stronger on the counter
Deportivo Alavés 0.00
Villarreal 0.00
Defence After Losing Possession loss → defensive exposure
Deportivo Alavés Villarreal
Goals Conceded Average goals conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Shots Conceded Average shots conceded within 15s of losing the ball per match. ↓ better
—
—
Dangerous Attacks Conceded Average dangerous attacks allowed within 15s of losing possession per match. ↓ better
—
—
Vulnerability Index Composite score (0–1) of how exposed this team is within 15s of losing the ball. Lower = better at preventing transition attacks. Lower = better transition defence
Deportivo Alavés 0.00
Villarreal 0.00
Deportivo Alavés
Villarreal
Window = 15s post-possession change
Index = 0–1 composite score

PRESSURE INDEX

Momentum phases from smoothed minute-by-minute pressure.

  • VIL had peak pressure around 71'.
  • ALA started the game with stronger pressure.
ALA Pressure VIL Pressure
⚡
Pressure Index: VIL reached the top pressure at 71' (100.00).

Team Head to Head Last 6 Seasons

Summary of 4 matches between these sides — filtered by competition and venue context.

Deportivo Alavés ALA Home
4 matches
Villarreal VIL Away
Match Record
1
Wins
2
1
Draws
1
2
Losses
1
Goals
3
Goals Scored
7
7
Goals Conceded
3
-4
Goal Difference
+4
Expected Goals
0
xG
0
0
xGA
0

Data last updated: 2026-08-28T17:30:24+00:00

STARTING XI

Match Formation 4-4-2
Match Formation 4-4-2
Pitch

General Information

Date & Time
Competition
2026/2027 La Liga, Spain · Round 3 · Regular Season
Stadium
Estadio de Mendizorroza
Capacity
19840
Pitch Surface
Grass
Weather
☀️ 12°C, Fair
Referees
Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos
Diego Santaursula Aguado
Rubén Campo Hernández
Rubén Ruipérez Marín

Statistics

Possession
ALA
31%
VIL
69%

Top Statistics

1 Goals 0
1 Big Chances Created 0
7 Shots 6
31 Dangerous attacks 89
25 Possession 75
5 Corners 9
8 Free kicks 15
3 Yellow Cards 2

Match Overview

45 Ball Safe 62
9 Goal Kicks 9
5 Goal Attempts 7
5 Substitutions 6
13 Throwins 33
1 Hit Woodwork 1
1 Injuries 0
19 Dribble Attempts 25
7 Successful Dribbles 11
37 Successful Dribbles Percentage 44

Attacking

72 Attacks 143

Possession

45 Long Passes 35
195 Passes 630
145 Successful Passes 559
74 Successful Passes Percentage 89
5 Key Passes 15
21 Successful Long Passes 23
47 Successful Long Passes Percentage 66

Defensive

6 Saves 1
22 Tackles 19
17 Interceptions 7
47 Duels Won 57

Build-up

13 Total Crosses 21
2 Accurate Crosses 5

Discipline

5 Offsides 4
15 Fouls 8

Lineup

Referee : Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos

Starting XI ▼

1
Antonio Sivera
Antonio Sivera Goalkeeper
6.87
7
Ángel Pérez
Ángel Pérez Defender
6.88
23
Carlos Protesoni
Carlos Protesoni
Midfielder71'
14
Nahuel Tenaglia
Nahuel Tenaglia Defender
7.34
16
Ville Koski
Ville Koski Defender
6.65
17
Jonny Otto
Jonny Otto Defender
6.83
8
Antonio Blanco
Antonio Blanco Midfielder
6.94
18
Mikel Rodriguez
Mikel Rodriguez Midfielder
7.21
3
Youssef Enríquez
Youssef Enríquez
Defender54'
19
Pablo Ibáñez
Pablo Ibáñez Midfielder
6.86
21
Abde Rebbach
Abde Rebbach Midfielder
6.89
4
Denis Suárez
Denis Suárez
Midfielder71'
11
Toni Martínez
Toni Martínez Attacker
6.54
9
Mariano Díaz
Mariano Díaz
Attacker54'
15
Lucas Boyé
Lucas Boyé Attacker
6.76
20
Aitor Mañas
Aitor Mañas
Attacker82'
Referee : Isidro Díaz de Mera Escuderos

Starting XI ▼

1
Luiz Júnior
Luiz Júnior Goalkeeper
6.39
8
Juan Foyth
Juan Foyth Defender
7.21
12
Renato Veiga
Renato Veiga Defender
6.88
15
Santiago Mouriño
Santiago Mouriño Defender
6.67
3
Alex Freeman
Alex Freeman
Defender62'
20
Carlos Romero
Carlos Romero Defender
6.74
14
Santi Comesaña
Santi Comesaña Midfielder
6.49
22
Ayoze Pérez
Ayoze Pérez
Attacker62'
6.54
17
Tajon Buchanan
Tajon Buchanan Midfielder
10
Alberto Moleiro
Alberto Moleiro
Midfielder63'
6.74
18
Pape Gueye
Pape Gueye Midfielder
7.17
19
Nicolas Pépé
Nicolas Pépé Midfielder
7.19
7
Gerard Moreno
Gerard Moreno Attacker
11
Ilias Akhomach
Ilias Akhomach
Attacker70'
9
Georges Mikautadze
Georges Mikautadze Attacker
7.23
21
Tani Oluwaseyi
Tani Oluwaseyi
Attacker82'

Events

2ND-HALF
90+4'
Event
Renato Veiga
Foul / 5th Yellowcard
Event
Antonio Sivera 
Time wasting / 4th Yellowcard
90+2'
Event
Mariano Díaz
Foul / 3rd Yellowcard
89'
86'
Event
Nicolas Pépé
Argument / 2nd Yellowcard
Event
Aitor Mañas → Lucas Boyé
9th Substitution
82'
82'
Event
Tani Oluwaseyi → Georges Mikautadze
10th Substitution
Event
Carlos Protesoni → Ángel Pérez
7th Substitution
71'
Event
Denis Suárez → Abde Rebbach
8th Substitution
71'
70'
Event
Ilias Akhomach → Gerard Moreno 
6th Substitution
63'
Event
Alberto Moleiro → Tajon Buchanan
5th Substitution
62'
Event
Alex Freeman → Santiago Mouriño
3rd Substitution
62'
Event
Ayoze Pérez → Santi Comesaña
4th Substitution
Event
Mariano Díaz → Toni Martínez
1st Substitution
54'
Event
Youssef Enríquez → Mikel Rodriguez
2nd Substitution
54'
Event
Abde Rebbach
Argument / 1st Yellowcard
48'
1ST-HALF
Event
Quique Sánchez Flores
Argument / 6th Yellowcard
45'
Event
Lucas Boyé
Right foot shot / 1st Goal
31'

Match Commentary

90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Renato Veiga of Villarreal receives a yellow card for a foul.
90
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Jonny Otto from Alaves takes a right-footed shot from outside the box, but it goes high and wide to the right. Denis Suárez provided the assist after a set piece situation.
90
Update Update
Juan Foyth from Villarreal has a header from the center of the box that goes close, but misses to the right.
90
Update Update
Pape Gueye of Villarreal is caught offside.
90
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Antonio Sivera from Alaves receives a yellow card.
90
Update Update
Aitor Mañas from Alaves wins a free kick in the attacking half.
90
Update Update
Renato Veiga from Villarreal commits a foul.
90
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated there will be 4 minutes of added time.
90
Corner Corner
Villarreal wins a corner after Ville Koski concedes.
89
Update Update
Pape Gueye from Villarreal wins a free kick on the right wing.
89
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Mariano Díaz of Alaves receives a yellow card for a bad foul.
89
Update Update
Mariano Díaz from Alaves commits a foul.
88
Update Update
Antonio Blanco from Alaves commits a foul.
88
Update Update
Ilias Akhomach from Villarreal wins a free kick in the defensive half.
86
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Nicolas Pepe from Villarreal receives a yellow card.
85
Update Update
Youssef Enriquez from Alaves commits a foul.
85
Update Update
Nicolas Pepe from Villarreal wins a free kick on the right wing.
85
Corner Corner
Juan Foyth from Villarreal hits the right post with a right-footed shot from the center of the box, assisted by Juan Foyth after a corner.
84
Corner Corner
Villarreal is awarded a corner after Mariano Díaz concedes.
83
Corner Corner
Villarreal wins a corner after Antonio Sivera concedes.
83
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Attempt saved. Ayoze Pérez from Villarreal has a right-footed shot from outside the box, but it's saved in the top center of the goal by Antonio Sivera from Alaves.
82
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Villarreal: Tani Oluwaseyi comes on for Georges Mikautadze.
82
Corner Corner
Attempt missed. Pablo Ibáñez from Alaves takes a right-footed shot from outside the box that is close, but it goes over the top left corner. Carlos Protesoni provided the assist.
82
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Alaves: Aitor Mañas comes on for Lucas Boyé.
80
Corner Corner
Attempt missed. Antonio Blanco (Alaves) header from the centre of the box following a corner.
80
Corner Corner
Alaves win a corner after Juan Foyth concedes.
78
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Nicolas Pepe's left-footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the center of the goal by Antonio Sivera. The attempt was assisted by Pape Gueye.
78
Corner Corner
Villarreal wins a corner after Antonio Sivera concedes.
77
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Juan Foyth from Villarreal has his right-footed shot from outside the box saved.
74
Attempt Attempt
Ayoze Pérez's right-footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked.
73
Attempt Attempt
Antonio Blanco from Alaves misses the attempt with a right-footed shot from outside the box.
72
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Alaves after Alex Freeman concedes.
71
Update Update
Youssef Enriquez from Alaves wins a free kick in the defensive half.
71
Update Update
Pape Gueye from Villarreal commits a foul.
71
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Alaves: Denis Suárez comes on for Abde Rebbach.
71
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Alaves: Carlos Protesoni comes on for Ángel Pérez.
70
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Villarreal: Ilias Akhomach comes on for Gerard Moreno.
69
Attempt Attempt
Ángel Pérez from Alaves hits the right post with a right-footed shot from a tough angle on the right after a fast break.
68
Update Update
Foul committed by Lucas Boyé of Alaves.
68
Update Update
Juan Foyth from Villarreal wins a free kick on the right wing.
67
Update Update
Foul committed by Abde Rebbach of Alaves.
67
Update Update
Ayoze Pérez from Villarreal wins a free kick in the attacking half.
66
Attempt Attempt
Nicolas Pepe's left-footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Gerard Moreno provided the assist.
66
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Ayoze Pérez from Villarreal takes a right-footed shot from the center of the box.
65
Corner Corner
Renato Veiga from Villarreal misses an attempt with a header from a tough angle on the left, sending it too high. He was assisted by Nicolas Pepe, who provided a cross after a corner.
65
Corner Corner
Villarreal wins a corner after Antonio Blanco concedes.
64
Update Update
Álaves is called offside as Ángel Pérez is caught in an offside position.
63
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Villarreal: Alberto Moleiro comes on for Tajon Buchanan.
62
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Villarreal: Alex Freeman comes on for Santiago Mouriño.
62
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Villarreal: Ayoze Pérez comes on for Santi Comesaña.
61
Update Update
Offside called against Alaves. Lucas Boyé is caught offside.
60
Update Update
Youssef Enriquez from Alaves wins a free kick in the defensive half.
60
Update Update
Santiago Mouriño from Villarreal commits a foul.
56
Attempt Attempt
Nicolas Pepe's left-footed shot from the right side of the box is saved.
56
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed by Nahuel Tenaglia from Alaves, who took a right-footed shot from outside the box.
54
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Alaves: Youssef Enriquez comes on for Mikel Rodríguez.
54
Substitution Substitution
Substitution for Alaves: Mariano Díaz comes on for Toni Martínez due to an injury.
53
Update Update
The match is delayed due to an injury to Toni Martínez from Alaves.
53
Update Update
Delay is over, and they are ready to continue.
51
Update Update
Santiago Mouriño from Villarreal wins a free kick in the defensive half.
51
Update Update
Lucas Boyé from Alaves commits a foul.
50
Update Update
Santi Comesaña is caught offside for Villarreal.
49
Yellow Card Yellow Card Important
Abde Rebbach from Alaves receives a yellow card.
48
Update Update
Gerard Moreno of Villarreal is caught offside.
47
Update Update
Villarreal is called offside. Georges Mikautadze is the player caught offside.
47
Update Update
Foul committed by Lucas Boyé of Alaves.
47
Update Update
Juan Foyth from Villarreal wins a free kick in the attacking half.
46
Update Update
The second half begins with Alaves leading Villarreal 1-0.
45
Update Update
Pablo Ibáñez from Alaves commits a foul.
45
Update Update
Santi Comesaña from Villarreal wins a free kick in the attacking half.
45
Update Update
The fourth official has indicated there will be 1 minute of added time.
45
Corner Corner
Villarreal wins a corner after Ville Koski concedes.
43
Attempt Attempt
Attempt saved. Gerard Moreno's right-footed shot from the center of the box is saved.
43
Update Update
Toni Martínez from Alaves commits a foul.
43
Update Update
Tajon Buchanan from Villarreal wins a free kick in the attacking half.
39
Update Update
Nahuel Tenaglia from Alaves wins a free kick in the defensive half.
39
Update Update
Tajon Buchanan of Villarreal commits a foul.
37
Corner Corner
Alaves win a corner after Carlos Romero concedes.
37
Attempt Attempt
Attempt missed. Ángel Pérez from Alaves takes a right-footed shot from outside the box.
36
Update Update
Tajon Buchanan from Villarreal wins a free kick in the defensive half.
36
Update Update
Nahuel Tenaglia from Alaves commits a foul.
34
Update Update
Mikel Rodríguez from Alaves is awarded a free kick in the defensive half.
34
Update Update
Foul by Santi Comesaña of Villarreal.
31
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Goal! Alaves lead Villarreal 1-0 as Lucas Boyé scores with a right-footed shot from the center of the box.
29
Update Update
Juan Foyth's header from the center of the box is blocked. He was assisted by Nicolas Pepe's cross.
29
Corner Corner
Attempt missed. Gerard Moreno from Villarreal takes a left-footed shot from outside the box, but it goes to the right. Pape Gueye provided the assist after a corner.
28
GOAL! GOAL! Important
Attempt saved. Tajon Buchanan from Villarreal has his right-footed shot from outside the box saved in the top center of the goal by Antonio Sivera from Alaves. The shot was assisted by Pape Gueye.
28
Corner Corner
Villarreal wins a corner after Antonio Sivera concedes.
27
Attempt Attempt
Carlos Romero's right-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked. He was assisted by Georges Mikautadze.
25
Update Update
Mikel Rodríguez of Alaves is caught offside.
24
Update Update
Lucas Boyé from Alaves wins a free kick in the defensive half.
24
Update Update
Juan Foyth from Villarreal commits a foul.
23
Update Update
Mikel Rodríguez from Alaves commits a foul.
23
Update Update
Santiago Mouriño from Villarreal wins a free kick in the attacking half.
22
Attempt Attempt
Georges Mikautadze's right-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked. He was assisted by Nicolas Pepe.
21
Update Update
Nahuel Tenaglia of Alaves is caught offside.
20
Update Update
Álaves is called offside as Ángel Pérez is caught in an offside position.
18
Update Update
Foul committed by Lucas Boyé of Alaves.
18
Update Update
Pape Gueye from Villarreal wins a free kick in the attacking half.
14
Corner Corner
Villarreal wins a corner after Nahuel Tenaglia concedes.
13
Corner Corner
Attempt saved. Lucas Boyé from Alaves has his right-footed shot from the center of the box saved in the bottom right corner by Luiz Júnior of Villarreal. The shot was assisted by Antonio Blanco with a cross.
12
Update Update
Toni Martínez from Alaves is awarded a free kick on the right wing.
12
Update Update
Pape Gueye from Villarreal commits a foul.
10
Corner Corner
Corner awarded to Alaves after Luiz Júnior concedes.
9
Corner Corner
Alaves win a corner after Santi Comesaña concedes.
8
Update Update
Antonio Blanco of Alaves commits a foul.
8
Update Update
Nicolas Pepe from Villarreal wins a free kick in the defensive half.
7
Update Update
Nahuel Tenaglia from Alaves commits a foul.
7
Update Update
Tajon Buchanan from Villarreal wins a free kick on the left wing.
6
Update Update
Lucas Boyé from Alaves wins a free kick in the attacking half.
6
Update Update
Gerard Moreno commits a foul for Villarreal.
5
Attempt Attempt
Santiago Mouriño's right-footed shot from the center of the box is blocked. He was assisted by Tajon Buchanan, who delivered a cross.
5
Corner Corner
Attempt missed. Gerard Moreno (Villarreal) shoots with his right foot from very close range, but it goes too high after a corner.
4
Corner Corner
Villarreal wins a corner after Jonny Otto concedes.
1
Update Update
First half begins.

CONCLUSION

The narrow 1-0 result highlighted how a single first half strike could outweigh sustained possession advantages and superior expected goals totals. Alavés defended their lead effectively despite limited ball control and lower xG output. Villarreal created more projected scoring opportunities but could not find an equalizer across the ninety minutes. The absence of any dismissals kept the contest at eleven versus eleven throughout and removed potential numerical imbalances. Overall the data showed a clear mismatch between territorial dominance and actual goal threat realization. Alavés maximized their limited resources to claim the points while Villarreal left the field without reward for their greater share of the ball and chances. This outcome underscores the importance of clinical finishing over statistical volume in determining final standings.