Foul drama fuels early clash as Alavés host Málaga in LaLiga EA Sports

Deportivo Alavés welcome Málaga to Mendizorroza for the tenth round of LaLiga EA Sports, with Quique Sánchez Flores and Juanfran Funes both eager for a win. The match kicks off under the watchful eye of referee Muñiz Muñoz, while Del Cerro Grande handles VAR duties. Early possession swings quickly, setting a frenetic tone.

Confirmed line‑ups and officials

Alavés line‑up features Antonio Sivera in goal, a back four of Ángel Pérez, Nahuel Tenaglia, Ville Koski and Nicolás Valentini, with Abde Rebbach joining the defence. Midfield includes Pablo Ibáñez, Antonio Blanco and Carles Aleñá, while Lucas Boyé and Mariano Díaz lead the attack. Málaga start with Alfonso Herrero between the sticks, a defence of Carlos Puga, Ángel Recio, Einar Galilea and Rafita, and a midfield of David Larrubia, Dani Lorenzo, Ramón Enríquez, Carlos Dotor, Adam Aznou, capped by striker Adrián Niño. The officiating team also includes assistants Estela Bravo and Iván Ríos, and VAR chief Del Cerro Grande.

Early fouls and first corner

At the 32‑minute mark a clear Falta de Tenaglia sobre Niño halts Málaga’s forward momentum, prompting a free‑kick for the visitors in a central area. Two minutes later Alavés win a corner, the ball swinging into the box as the home side looks to capitalise.

Key actions in the opening half

Just before the corner, Ibáñez erupts with a powerful strike that rattles the cross‑bar, a moment the commentator describes as “¡Ibáñeeeeeeez! ¡Fueraaaaaaaa!” The ball then ricochets over the frame of Alfonso, keeping the pressure on Málaga. Four minutes earlier, Galilea wrestles the ball from Mariano after an Abde clearance, delivering a dangerous wide ball for Alavés. At minute 26 a midfield foul on Lorenzo by Ángel sparks a quick counter‑attack, with Rafita sprinting forward before the pass is intercepted.

Larrubia attempts a through ball to Niño but misjudges the power, allowing Sivera to comfortably collect the ball. The commentator notes that while the play does not dominate, Málaga appear more cohesive in this phase. Later, Ángel and Aznou clash on the left wing, prompting a brief protest from the visitors but no further action from the referee.

In the 20th minute Ángel commits a foul on Aznou, a duel the commentator labels “Menudo duelo”. The referee issues a warning, urging calm. At minute 18, the crowd chants for Ibáñez to appear “a ras de césped”, highlighting the home fans’ desire for a breakthrough.

Further excitement arrives at the 16th minute when Rafita launches a low right‑footed shot that strikes the advertising board, prompting a roar from the Málaga supporters. The same minute sees Blanco receive a knock in a challenge with Dotor, though the captain of the “babazorros” appears unhurt.

Two minutes later a possible foul by Blanco on Larrubia is examined, but the official deems it non‑punishable. The match continues with both sides exchanging chances, the ball moving from corner to corner as the first half draws to a close.

Alavés sit seventh in the table with eleven points, level with Celta, Deportivo de A Coruña and Osasuna, yet have not won since a 5‑2 defeat to the Navarrese on 6 September, recording one draw and four losses since. Málaga, after nine games, remain winless and sit at the bottom, still fighting to avoid relegation.

Muñiz Muñoz remains in control as the game progresses, while Del Cerro Grande stands ready to intervene if required. Both teams continue to press for a decisive moment as the second half looms.