AFCON 2025
Valencia emerged victorious in a dramatic La Liga Sunday fixtures, securing a last-gasp 3-2 victory over Deportivo Alavés in a match that defined the weekend’s high-stakes action.
While the title race remains a two-horse sprint between Barcelona and Real Madrid, the battle for European spots saw significant movement as Getafe and Villarreal both claimed vital home wins.
Valencia Sink Alavés late
In the weekend’s most explosive encounter, Valencia survived a late scare to take all three points at the Mestalla Stadium.
After a cagey first half, the game ignited when Javi Guerra put the hosts ahead shortly after the restart. Alavés’ Lucas Boyé looked to have snatched a point with a second-half brace, but a 90th-minute strike from Gohmert and a 99th-minute penalty from Hugo Duro sealed a 3-2 victory in front of a raucous home crowd.
Villarreal continued their steady climb, dispatching Elche 2-1 at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
First-half goals from Tajon Buchanan and Santiago Mouriño provided enough of a cushion to withstand a late consolation from André Silva. The win keeps the “Yellow Submarine” level on points with Atlético Madrid in the race for third place.
Meanwhile, Getafe delivered a blow to Real Betis’ European hopes with a clinical 2-0 win. Femenia opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Satriano doubled the lead just before the break, moving Getafe into the top half of the table.
The day’s other fixture saw Sevilla frustrated at home by Rayo Vallecano. Despite an early lead through Adams in the 13th minute, Sevilla were pegged back by an Alfonso Espino equalizer early in the second half, leaving both sides stuck in mid-table obscurity.
State of the Table
Barcelona retained their four-point lead at the summit following their 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, while Real Madrid remain hot on their heels after a 2-1 victory at Celta Vigo on Friday.
At the other end, Elche’s defeat keeps them precariously placed just above the relegation zone, which is currently occupied by Mallorca, Levante, and Real Oviedo.
The round concludes tonight as Espanyol host Real Oviedo, with the hosts looking to break into the top seven.
