Aitor Mañas scored his first goal for Alavés in the 89th minute to snatch a 1-1 draw against Málaga at Mendizorroza on Friday, October 23, 2026. The late equaliser denied Málaga their first victory of the season, while Alavés ended a run of two consecutive defeats.
Málaga had taken the lead just before halftime through Niño, who was assisted by Ramón Enríquez. This marked Niño’s third goal in as many league matches, bringing his Primera División tally to four.
Despite Alavés dominating possession with 63% and earning seven corners compared to Málaga’s two, clear scoring opportunities were scarce for the home side. It took the late intervention from substitute Mañas, who had been on the pitch for 15 minutes, to convert a loose ball inside the area and level the score.
Málaga’s Search for a Win Continues
The draw means Málaga are still searching for their inaugural win in their first top-flight season after an eight-year absence. Despite the disappointment of conceding late, Málaga coach Juanfran Funes expressed encouragement, describing the first half as his side’s best of the season and the overall match as their strongest away performance of the campaign. He added that a first win felt close.
Málaga completed 385 accurate passes and managed three shots on target, with Alavés goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero making three saves. Referee Carlos Muñiz Muñoz issued yellow cards to Málaga’s Carlos Dotor and coach Juanfran Funes during the match.
Alavés End Losing Run
For Alavés, the point halted a sequence of two straight defeats, having previously lost to Atletico Madrid and Celta Vigo. While they controlled much of the game, they struggled to convert their dominance into chances, with six of their efforts being blocked by the Málaga defence. Alavés players Lucas Boyé and Nahuel Tenaglia also received yellow cards.
Upcoming Fixtures
Both teams now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures. Málaga’s next league challenge is an away trip to Real Betis, marking the season’s first Andalusian derby, where they will face former player Isco. Before that, they also have a Copa del Rey tie against Sporting Alcázar in October.
Alavés will travel to Barcelona for their next league encounter. Prior to that, they are set to play Anaitasuna FT away in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, October 28.