In a gripping La Liga encounter at Estadio Mendizorrotza, Alaves and Oviedo played out a 1-1 draw, marked by late drama and red cards. Federico Viñas opened the scoring for Oviedo in the 56th minute, capitalizing on a well-timed assist from Ilyas Chaira. Alaves responded swiftly, with Lucas Boyé equalizing in the 69th minute, setting the stage for a tense finish.
Second Half Drama and Discipline Issues
The second half was a whirlwind of activity, beginning with Viñas's goal that gave Oviedo the lead. However, the match took a turn when Viñas received a second yellow card in the 75th minute, reducing Oviedo to ten men. Alaves's C. Protesoni followed suit with a red card in the 88th minute, leveling the playing field once more. Both teams struggled to capitalize on their chances, with Alaves having 57% possession and seven shots on goal, while Oviedo managed six shots on target.
Statistical Insights and Tactical Shifts
Alaves's dominance in possession was evident, yet they couldn't convert it into a victory. Their 82% passing accuracy and 18 total shots highlighted their attacking intent, but Oviedo's defense, led by David Costas and Abdel Rahim, held firm. Oviedo's expected goals of 2.04 suggested they might have deserved more, but Alaves's goalkeeper Antonio Sivera was up to the task with five crucial saves.
Looking Ahead
Alaves's recent form has been inconsistent, with a mix of wins and losses, while Oviedo continues to search for stability after a heavy defeat to Sevilla. Both teams will need to address their disciplinary issues and capitalize on their attacking opportunities to climb the La Liga standings. As the season progresses, maintaining focus and discipline will be crucial for both sides.