Opening the new season of La Liga: "Unjudged" HNL-man scored in the big win of Alavés

Alavés opened the new La Liga season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Getafe in their opening match at Estadio de Mendizábal on August 15, 2026. The Basque side, playing at home before their summer break, capitalized on a numerical advantage after Getafe were reduced to ten men in the 42nd minute. The red card was shown to Kiko Femenia prior to halftime, which proved pivotal in the match’s outcome. Alavés used this advantage effectively, scoring three goals within the second half to secure the win. The first goal came in the 73rd minute through striker Tenaglia, who found the back of the net to give Alavés the lead. The match continued to favor the hosts, with the game concluding in stoppage time as Alavés added two more goals. Diego Diaz, who had been linked with a move to Italian club Udinese earlier in the summer, scored the third goal in the 92nd minute, while Rodriques sealed the result in the 94th minute. The performance showcased Alavés' readiness for the new campaign, with their attacking play and defensive solidity proving decisive. The match marked the start of the 2026–27 La Liga season, with several other fixtures scheduled for the following days. On the same day, Sevilla will face Rayo Vallecano, while on Sunday, Racing Santander will take on Villarreal and Espanyol will host Levante. These matches will continue to set the tone for the early stages of the season, with teams eager to establish dominance in the league table. Barcelona, the reigning champions, will aim to defend their title, having already begun preparations for the new season. Their squad underwent a rigorous training camp ahead of the campaign, with key players returning from international duty. The Catalan giants are expected to remain one of the favorites for the title, though competition from clubs such as Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid will likely intensify throughout the season. Both Alavés and Getafe have undergone significant changes during the transfer window. Alavés strengthened their squad with several high-profile signings, including forward Diego Diaz, whose potential move to Udinese was ultimately abandoned. Getafe, meanwhile, faced challenges in retaining key players, with some opting to join rival clubs in the summer. This reshuffling has altered the competitive landscape, making the early rounds of the season particularly unpredictable. The victory over Getafe provides Alavés with a strong foundation heading into the new season. Coach Luis García praised his team's discipline and tactical execution, noting that they were able to maintain control of the match despite the pressure of facing a top-tier opponent. The win also boosted morale among the fans, who had hoped for a successful return to form after a challenging previous season. With the league schedule packed, Alavés will need to sustain this momentum to challenge for European qualification and domestic honors. Looking ahead, the remainder of the week will see further action in La Liga, with multiple matches scheduled to test the strength of the newly assembled squads. As the season progresses, the performances of these teams will shape the race for the top spots, setting the stage for a thrilling campaign.