In a thrilling LaLiga encounter at the Estadio de Mendizorroza, Alavés managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory over Mallorca, marking a significant match in the 24/25 season's 12th round. This game was a showcase of tactical prowess, resilience, and moments of brilliance that ultimately decided the outcome. The match's pivotal moment came in the second half when Jon Guridi found the back of the net, securing three crucial points for Alavés. This victory could have a lasting impact on both teams' standings as they navigate through the season.
The first half of the match was a tactical battle, with both teams trying to assert dominance on the field. Alavés, playing at home, started with a slight edge in ball possession, managing 51% against Mallorca's 49%. This slim advantage allowed them to create more opportunities, reflected in their expected goals (xG) of 0.32 compared to Mallorca's 0.19. Despite the efforts from both sides, the first half saw no big chances created, with the teams heading into the break without altering the scoreboard.
The atmosphere in Estadio de Mendizorroza was electric, with fans eagerly anticipating a breakthrough. The home team, leveraging their slight possession advantage, attempted to penetrate Mallorca's defense but found it challenging to convert their efforts into goals. Mallorca, on the other hand, remained resilient, absorbing the pressure and looking for opportunities to counter-attack.
First Half Stats Chart
The second half saw Alavés increase their intensity and control of the game, with ball possession soaring to 60% against Mallorca's 40%. This shift in momentum was crucial, as it led to the game's only goal in the 76th minute by Jon Guridi. The goal was a result of a well-orchestrated play, culminating in a precise finish that left Mallorca's goalkeeper with no chance.
Mallorca attempted to respond, making several substitutions to inject fresh energy and creativity into their lineup. However, Alavés' defense stood firm, effectively neutralizing any threat posed by the visitors. The home team's tactical adjustments in the second half paid off, allowing them to maintain control and secure a vital win.
Second Half Stats Chart
Throughout the match, Alavés demonstrated a strategic approach, focusing on maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities. Their efforts were reflected in the match statistics, with a 55% ball possession rate and 12 total shots, compared to Mallorca's 45% possession and 6 shots. The expected goals metric also favored Alavés (0.74) over Mallorca (0.48), indicating a higher quality of goal-scoring opportunities created by the home team.
The game's defining moment came from Jon Guridi, whose second-half goal was a testament to Alavés' persistence and tactical execution. Both teams had equal big chances (1 each), but it was Alavés who capitalized on their opportunity, which ultimately decided the match's outcome.
Final Stats Chart
The heatmaps provide an insightful view into the tactical formations and movements throughout the match. Alavés' heatmap Alavés Heatmap shows concentrated activity on the right flank and central areas, demonstrating their strategy to penetrate Mallorca's defense through varied channels. Mallorca's heatmap
Mallorca Heatmap , in contrast, illustrates a more distributed presence across the pitch, with emphasis on defensive solidity and counter-attacks.
The substitutions made during the match were tactical decisions aimed at influencing the game's flow. Mallorca's changes sought to introduce creativity and freshness in the midfield and attacking positions, while Alavés focused on reinforcing their midfield to maintain their lead. These strategic changes highlight the managers' attempts to adapt to the game's demands and leverage their squads' strengths.
This match was a testament to the strategic depth and resilience of Alavés, who managed to secure a hard-fought victory against a determined Mallorca side. The game's only goal, scored by Jon Guridi, was a highlight moment, showcasing the importance of seizing opportunities in tightly contested matches. As both teams continue their journey in the 24/25 LaLiga season, this encounter will be remembered for its tactical battle, strategic adjustments, and the sheer will to secure valuable points.
The Estadio de Mendizorroza provided the perfect backdrop for this encounter, with its vibrant atmosphere contributing to the intensity and excitement of the match. As Alavés and Mallorca move forward, the lessons learned and experiences gained from this match will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their respective campaigns.
Alavés opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation in their latest match, a tactic that emphasizes balance across the field, with the ability to transition quickly between defense and attack. This formation, illustrated in the match's media, allowed for a solid defensive structure while providing support to the lone striker through the midfielders and wide players.
Alavés Formation - 4-2-3-1
The lineup for Alavés was as follows:
Missing Player: Hugo Novoa Ramos (Midfielder, Spain) - His absence was noted, but the team managed to secure a win without his services.
Mallorca also deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, mirroring their opponents. This setup is designed to provide numerical advantages in midfield and versatility on the flanks, crucial for both defensive solidity and offensive creativity.
Mallorca Formation - 4-2-3-1
The lineup for Mallorca was as follows:
Missing Players: Iván Cuéllar (Goalkeeper, Spain), Takuma Asano (Forward, Japan), and Samuel Costa (Midfielder, Portugal) were notable absences, potentially affecting the team's depth and strategy.
The match statistics reveal a tightly contested battle in the midfield, with both teams employing a 4-2-3-1 formation to control the game's tempo and create scoring opportunities. Alavés's Jon Guridi emerged as the match-winner, thanks to his decisive goal, showcasing the importance of midfielders breaking into scoring positions in such tactical setups. The defensive units of both teams, particularly Alavés's Nahuel Tenaglia and Mallorca's Manu Morlanes, demonstrated their value not just in thwarting attacks but also in initiating plays from the back, a critical aspect of the 4-2-3-1 formation's success.
Moreover, the heatmaps and stats chart offer additional insights into the teams' performances and strategic approaches throughout the match.
Alavés Heatmap
Mallorca Heatmap
Final Stats Chart
In conclusion, the 4-2-3-1 formation employed by both teams facilitated a balanced and competitive match, with Alavés edging out Mallorca thanks to a well-orchestrated play leading to Guridi's goal. The player statistics underline the significance of each position in the formation, from the goalkeeper's saves to the midfielders' control and the forwards' attempts to break the deadlock.
As we delve into the aftermath of the recent LaLiga fixture, where Alavés secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Mallorca, it's essential to analyze how this result impacts the standings, especially for the teams involved. This victory for Alavés, held at their home ground, Estadio de Mendizorroza in Vitoria-Gasteiz, marks a significant moment in their season, pushing them up to 15th position in the league with 11 points from 12 matches. Despite the win, their goal difference remains negative at -6, reflecting the challenges they've faced in finding the back of the net and keeping their defenses tight throughout the season.
Mallorca, on the other hand, finds themselves in a relatively better position despite the setback. After 12 rounds, they are positioned 5th with 19 points, showcasing a more resilient defense with a goal difference of +2. Their performance so far indicates a strong potential to compete for European competition spots, provided they maintain their form against direct rivals.
The top of the table presents a fascinating battle for supremacy, with Barcelona leading the pack. After 11 matches, they've amassed 30 points, thanks to an impressive tally of 10 wins, demonstrating their offensive prowess with 37 goals scored and only 10 conceded, resulting in a commanding goal difference of +27. Following closely are Real Madrid in 2nd place with 24 points, showcasing a solid start to their campaign with 7 wins and a goal difference of +10. Villarreal and Atlético Madrid occupy the 3rd and 4th spots, respectively, with Villarreal on 21 points and a slender goal difference of +1, while Atlético Madrid has gathered 20 points, buoyed by a sturdy defense leading to a +9 goal difference.
Conversely, the battle to avoid relegation is intensifying at the bottom of the table. Las Palmas, Real Valladolid, and Valencia find themselves in the danger zone, occupying the 18th to 20th positions. Las Palmas and Real Valladolid are neck and neck with 9 and 8 points, respectively, both teams struggling to turn their fortunes around with goal differences of -6 and a dismal -14. Valencia sits at the bottom with only 7 points from 11 matches, their struggle underscored by a goal difference of -9, highlighting the urgent need for improvement to escape the relegation threat.
As the season progresses, the dynamics of LaLiga continue to evolve, with every match playing a crucial role in shaping the aspirations and challenges of each team. The recent clash between Alavés and Mallorca not only provided critical points to the victors but also added another layer of intrigue to the ongoing narratives of survival, European qualification, and title contention that define the essence of one of football's most competitive leagues.
