Alavés' last goal against a Getafe with more toughness than football to start LaLiga

LaLiga’s new season kicked off with a decisive victory for Athletic Club de Bilbao over Getafe, marking a dramatic debut for Mariano Díaz. The match, played on Saturday, August 15, 2026, saw Alavés secure a 3-0 win against Getafe in a tightly contested encounter that featured a red card, three goals in the final ten minutes, and a display of physicality that overshadowed traditional footballing flair. The game took place at Estadio Mendizorroza in Vitoria-Gasteiz, with Alavés emerging victorious despite playing much of the match with ten men after the expulsion of Getafe's Femenía. The match began with a lackluster start, both teams struggling to create meaningful chances in the opening quarter of an hour. Getafe had the first opportunity through a poor clearance by Satriano, which nearly led to a goal but was ultimately cleared away. A yellow card was shown to Getafe’s Davinchi early on, setting the tone for a physically demanding contest. Both managers, Son Bordalís of Alavés and Quique Sánchez Flores of Getafe, favored a robust style of play, leading to frequent fouls and interruptions rather than open attacking moves. Alavés created their first real chance in the second half when Toni Martínez fired wide after a rebound from Mañas. Despite this, Getafe managed to disrupt Alavés' rhythm with several stoppages, many of which were penalized by referee Orellana Cid. Another opportunity came for Mañas shortly afterward, but he was denied by an offside call involving Ángel Pérez. The first half ended with 18 fouls recorded, highlighting the intensity of the match. In the second half, Bordalís made tactical changes, substituting Davinchi with Enes Ünal in an attempt to shift the balance of the game. This move aimed to exploit Getafe’s numerical disadvantage following Femenía’s red card, which occurred after a reckless challenge reviewed by the video assistant referee (VAR). With Getafe down to ten men, Alavés sought to capitalize on their advantage. The breakthrough came in the form of a header from Tenaglia, who scored the opener for Alavés. The Argentine midfielder, typically more defensive in his role, showcased his versatility by retrieving the ball, advancing, and finishing effectively to give his team the lead. This goal proved pivotal, as Alavés continued to dominate possession and pressure Getafe’s defense. Despite being a man down, Getafe pushed forward in search of an equalizer. Their efforts were thwarted by the resolute defending of Alavés, who maintained their composure under pressure. However, the game took a dramatic turn in the final ten minutes, with two additional goals from Mariano Díaz and Mikel Rodríguez, both of whom scored spectacularly from set pieces. These late strikes sealed Alavés’ victory and added a thrilling finish to an otherwise tense match. The result marked a strong start for Alavés, who will look to build on this performance in subsequent matches. For Getafe, the loss was a setback, particularly given their inability to convert their numerical advantage into a goal. The match also highlighted the challenges faced by teams adjusting to the new season, especially with key players absent due to international commitments during the World Cup. As the new season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these early results shape the competition. Alavés’ emphatic victory sets a high standard, while Getafe must regroup quickly to avoid falling behind in the league table. The physical nature of the match suggests that the coming weeks could be filled with similar encounters, testing the resilience and adaptability of all teams involved.