Alavés ride high as Villarreal flounder in LaLiga opener

Alavés kept their lofty form, sealing a third consecutive win under Quique Sánchez Flores, while Villarreal remained winless in the opening LaLiga round, underscoring a stark contrast between the two clubs' fortunes and the early season narrative across Spain so far.

The side of El Alavés now sits atop the LaLiga table, enjoying a perfect start to the campaign. Their defensive solidity has been the foundation of the run, conceding few chances. Manager Quique Sánchez Flores has guided the team to maintain this momentum.

A rock‑solid backline limited Villarreal’s opportunities, while midfielder Sivera delivered a standout performance, dictating play and contributing to the clean sheet. The collective effort meant everything fell into place for Alavés on the day.

Villarreal, by contrast, has yet to taste victory this season, their attack lacking the cutting edge needed in the final third. Their inability to convert chances left them frustrated and unable to claim any points.

The divergent paths of the two clubs highlight how Alavés’ cohesion and defensive discipline are propelling them forward, while Villarreal’s offensive frailties risk leaving them mired at the bottom. If the trends continue, the gap between the early leaders and the struggling side may widen as the campaign progresses.