Key Takeaways:
- Valencia ended their four-game losing streak with a 1-0 win at Deportivo Alaves
- Interim manager Oscar Sanchez marked his first match in charge with a victory
- Luis Rioja’s late goal lifted Valencia out of the relegation zone, while Alaves missed the chance for a fourth straight home win
Managerial Changes Spark Immediate Response
Valencia drew a line under a disappointing run of results with a vital 1-0 away victory over Deportivo Alaves at Estadio Mendizorrotza, giving interim manager Oscar Sanchez the best possible start to his tenure. The club parted ways with former head coach Carlos Corberan following a 1-0 defeat at Sevilla last weekend, a result that proved the final straw after a poor beginning to the campaign.
⚽ 0-1 | ¡FINAAAAAAAAAAAAAL DEL PARTIDO!#ADNVCF pic.twitter.com/vzMbcnZtZ6
— Valencia CF (@valenciacf) September 15, 2026
Disallowed Goal and Early Chances
Valencia thought they had seized an early advantage soon after the first 15 minutes, as Arnaut Danjuma found the net with a first-time finish past Antonio Sivera. However, the celebrations were short-lived when VAR chalked off the goal for offside. This overturned effort served to galvanise the hosts, who responded with attacking intent. Pablo Maffeo forced Sivera into action with a volley from distance, but the Alaves goalkeeper dealt with the threat comfortably.
Alaves Show Confidence Amid Tight Encounter
Alaves approached the match buoyed by their best-ever start to a LaLiga campaign, having amassed 10 points from their initial five fixtures. Their growing assurance became evident as the half progressed. They came close to breaking the deadlock before the interval, with Pablo Ibanez heading wide from an Angel Perez delivery. Although the first half promised further drama, both sides struggled to recapture attacking momentum after the restart.
Second Half Stalemate Broken by Late Decisive Goal
Despite Alaves’ three previous home triumphs this season, they were unable to replicate the attacking prowess seen in their recent 5-2 home win over Osasuna. Valencia, meanwhile, offered little threat themselves, but would have welcomed even a solitary point in light of their recent struggles.
With just over ten minutes to play, Javi Guerra provided a pinpoint through ball that found Luis Rioja. Exploiting the opportunity, Rioja surged into the area and lofted his finish over Sivera, clinching all three points for the visitors and lifting Valencia out of the relegation places, at least temporarily. The victory sparked jubilant celebrations among the travelling supporters.
Alaves Remain in Top Four Despite Defeat
Alaves missed the opportunity to secure four consecutive home wins for the first time since 2001, a feat that slipped away with this narrow defeat. Nevertheless, their strong early-season form ensures they remain in fourth place following this result.
