The 2026/27 LaLiga EA Sports season could not have started better for Deportivo Alavés. At the Mendizorroza stadium, the Vitoria-based side secured a resounding 3-0 victory against a Getafe team that ended up looking lost. The match, played on August 15, 2026, served as the competition's starting pistol and left very different feelings for both teams regarding the immediate future.
A Red Card That Changed Everything
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The encounter began with a script of maximum defensive caution from both teams, leading to a goalless first half. However, an incident just before the break drastically altered the course of the clash. In the 41st minute, Kiko Femenía, Getafe's full-back, was sent off after a harsh tackle on Abde Rebbach. The initial yellow card decision was reviewed by VAR and upgraded to a straight red, leaving Getafe with ten players for over 50 minutes of the match.
Alavés Unleashes Its Potential
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Taking advantage of the numerical superiority, Alavés completely dominated the second half. The introduction of Mariano Díaz from the bench proved to be a decisive factor, changing the home side's attacking rhythm. The striker, making his league debut for Alavés, was the star of the night, directly involved in all three goals.
Nahuel Tenaglia opened the scoring in the 73rd minute with a precise header, assisted by Mariano. The 'Babazorro' persistence was definitively rewarded in added time: Mariano Díaz scored the second goal in the 90'+1 with a powerful shot into the top corner and, just three minutes later, in the 90'+4, he assisted Mikel Rodríguez to seal the rout on his Primera División debut.
Tactical Analysis: 'El Glorioso' Strikes Intelligently
Alavés demonstrated great defensive solidity, keeping a clean sheet, an aspect that coach Quique Sánchez Flores highlighted as fundamental. With the numerical advantage, the Vitoria-based team managed the game intelligently, increasing offensive pressure and exploiting the spaces created by a depleted Getafe. The statistics reflect this dominance: Alavés finished the match with 18 shots (8 on target) compared to Getafe's 6 (2 on target), and significant control in expected goals (xG of 2.48 vs. 0.10). Quick transitions and efficient decision-making were key for the 'Albiazul' side.
A Surpassed and Conditioned Getafe
For José Bordalás' Getafe, the start of the season was a harsh blow. Kiko Femenía's sending-off completely conditioned their strategy, forcing the team to reorganise and play defensively. Despite their efforts, the 'Azulones' showed a lack of attacking ideas and struggled to contain Alavés' onslaught in the second half. It's possible that Getafe's minds were also on their upcoming Conference League playoff commitments, which may have influenced their performance at Mendizorroza.
Implications for the Start of LaLiga
For Deportivo Alavés, this resounding victory represents an unbeatable start to LaLiga. The three points provide a boost of morale and confidence, setting a positive precedent for their aspirations in the competition. Mariano Díaz's performance, with one goal and two assists, positions him as a key player for the 'Babazorro' attack.
On the other hand, Getafe faces the need for rapid reorganisation. The 3-0 defeat, and especially playing with ten men for a large part of the match, highlight the importance of maintaining discipline on the field and adjusting defensive strategy. This result forces them to reflect and seek solutions for the upcoming fixtures if they want to avoid this poor start from continuing.