Alavés Stuns Mallorca In La Liga Clash With Late Winner

Alavés Stuns Mallorca In La Liga Clash With Late Winner...

Deportivo Alavés pulled off a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mallorca in a tense La Liga match on Sunday, with a stoppage-time winner from Luis Rioja sealing the three points. The result keeps Alavés' survival hopes alive while denting Mallorca's push for a top-half finish in Spain's top flight.

The match, played at Mendizorrotza Stadium in Vitoria-Gasteiz, saw Mallorca take an early lead through Vedat Muriqi's 12th-minute penalty. Alavés equalized before halftime through Jon Guridi, setting up a frantic second half that culminated in Rioja's 92nd-minute strike.

This game is trending in the U.S. due to growing American interest in La Liga, fueled by recent high-profile transfers of U.S. players to Spanish clubs. The late drama also resonated with soccer fans stateside who tuned in for the morning broadcast on ESPN+.

Alavés' victory moves them to 35 points, just three from safety with five games remaining. Mallorca remains mid-table but missed a chance to climb into the top 10. Manager Javier Aguirre's side will rue defensive lapses that cost them points in the dying moments.

The win sparked wild celebrations among Alavés players and their 15,000 home supporters. It marks their first victory in six matches, providing crucial momentum in their relegation battle. For American viewers, the match offered another glimpse of La Liga's competitive intensity beyond the usual Barcelona-Real Madrid spotlight.

Both teams face tough fixtures next weekend, with Alavés visiting Athletic Bilbao and Mallorca hosting Celta Vigo. The relegation race and mid-table jostling in La Liga continues to attract international attention as the season enters its decisive phase.