It was a duel with heads or tails, a final due to permanence that fell on the side of an Alavés determined to achieve salvation. Those of Javi Calleja, led by Joselu and Luis Rioja, both stellar, took the duel of those in need against Elche (0-2) and took a giant step to maintain the category, as they placed five points above one Descent zone in which the Elche group is still anchored.
The game started with a scare for Alavés, who may not have one of the best defenders in the category, but they do have one of the best goalkeepers. Pacheco had to appear at the first change to deflect an acrobatic shot from Lucas Boyé with the spur. If he entered, it would undoubtedly have been one of the goals of the year and who knows if the fate of a match that was tinged with albiazúl would have changed.
Elche did not know how to stop Luis Rioja's drive, unleashed until he was substituted in the 78th minute. First he smashed a ball against the post trying to surprise Gazzaniga with the short post and then he took a dry cut out of the hat before connecting with Joselu to open the scoring (40 ').
Fran Escribá's men tried to react in the second half, but once again Joselu and Rioja messed it up again to bury any attempted revolt by the locals.
Both re-associated at 0-2, although with the roles changed. Joselu recovered a ball in the center of the field and shot towards the goal of Elche. Once inside the area, he searched with power for Rioja, who shot arriving in the race (54 ’).
Edgar was sentenced minutes later, but the crossbar repelled his left foot. It was not necessary for an Alavés that was imposed with clarity to bring closer the permanence. Of course, leaving an Elche in the ICU who will have to do magic in order not to descend.
(+) See the summary of Elche – Alavés
| 1 Father Gazzaniga | 1 F. Pacheco | ||
| 18 H. Palacios | twenty-one M. Aguirregabiria | ||
| 12 Dani Calvo | 5 The guard | ||
| two D. González | 22 F. Lejeune | ||
| 24 Josema 57 ' | 3 R. Duarte | ||
| (twenty P. Piatti) | 8 T. Pina | ||
| 17 Josan 57 ' | twenty For Pere Pons 83 ' | ||
| (10 Pere Milla) | (2. 3 Ximo Navarro) | ||
| 6 Nuke Mfulu 57 ' | 19 Manu Garcia | ||
| (8 Victor Rodriguez) | 16 Edgar Mendez 78 ' | ||
| 4 I. Marcone 79 ' | (24 Jot) | ||
| (7 Boy) | 9 Joselu 91 ' | ||
| 16 Fidel | (14 Deyverson) | ||
| twenty-one G. Carrillo | eleven Rioja 78 ' | ||
| 9 L. Boyé | (37 F. Pellistri) | ||
Goals:(0-1) Joselu (40 '), (0-2) Rioja (54')
Cards:L Édgar Méndez (2 '), Nuke Mfulu (13'), Tachi (67 '), T. Pina (85'), Deyverson (93 ')L
Referee: González Fuertes (C. Asturiano)
Spectators: Behind closed doors at the Martínez Valero
| THE BEST The determination of an Alavés that is approaching permanence | |
| WORST The lack of reaction of an Elche in serious trouble |