Alavés Struggles Continue Despite Improved Performance Against Oviedo

omidbasir- Alavés entered the winter break with a clear need to reset and reclaim their best performance after a challenging month. However, the start of 2026 has not altered the precarious dynamic in which they find themselves. Under coach Coudet, the team managed to secure only a single point during their home match against Real Oviedo, following a lackluster first half that highlighted their defensive issues, with goalkeeper Antonio Sivera being the only standout.

The goalless first half can largely be attributed to Sivera’s impressive display, where he made five crucial saves throughout the match. He expressed disappointment with his team’s performance, stating, “We cannot be satisfied with a draw at home against a direct rival. We lost two important points.” He further emphasized, “It is less about Oviedo’s merit and more about our own shortcomings. We did not rise to the occasion that the match demanded.”

Indeed, Alavés showed some improvement after the break, although it was Oviedo who initially took the lead with a goal from Fede Viñas. Despite this setback, Coudet’s side fought back, and it was Lucas Boyé who equalized. Returning from injury, Boyé was called upon by the Argentine coach and delivered a spectacular equalizer with a direct free-kick from 25 meters, leaving goalkeeper Escandell with no chance, mirroring Sivera’s stellar performance.

Boyé notched his fourth goal of the season, tying him with Carlos Vicente as the team’s top scorer. All his goals have come at Mendizorroza, where his influence is undeniable. He is Coudet’s primary option up front due to his versatility and now his contributions to the goal tally. While Sivera and Boyé are leading the charge, it is evident that their efforts alone are insufficient to move the team out of the relegation zone.