Deportivo Alaves opened the LaLiga EA Sports 2026-27 season with a 3-0 victory against ten-man Getafe CF at Mendizorroza stadium on Saturday evening. Substitutes Mariano Diaz and Mikel Rodriguez scored in stoppage time after defender Nahuel Tenaglia broke the deadlock in the second half.
A crowd of 13,923 spectators attended the opening fixture of the Spanish top flight, which kicked off at 19:30. Getafe played more than half the match with ten players following the first-half expulsion of defender Kiko.
Red Card Changes Match Dynamics
The first half produced few scoring opportunities as both teams struggled to establish control. Getafe held 55 percent of possession past the half-hour mark, while Alaves defender Nahuel Tenaglia sent an early header wide from a Denis Suarez cross.
The decisive moment of the opening half arrived in the 42nd minute when Kiko committed a heavy tackle on Alaves winger Abderrahman Rebbach. Referee Manuel Jesus Orellana initially showed a yellow card, but VAR official Carlos del Cerro requested an on-field review. After checking the pitchside monitor, Orellana upgraded the sanction to a direct red card.
Rebbach required medical treatment on the pitch before play resumed. The dismissal provoked strong protests from Getafe head coach Jose Bordalas, who received a yellow card from Orellana. Alaves midfielder Denis Suarez also picked up a yellow card in first-half stoppage time for a foul on Mario Martin. Despite playing a man down, Getafe went into the interval at 0-0 holding 53 percent of possession.
Tenaglia Header Breaks Getafe Resistance
Bordalas adjusted his side at the break by bringing on striker Enes Unal for Davinchi. Alaves increased their attacking pressure early in the second half, with Rebbach and Angel Perez forcing saves from Getafe goalkeeper David Soria. Toni Martinez also headed wide following an Antonio Blanco corner.
The match experienced another pause when Getafe defender Zaid Romero needed medical treatment after a challenge by Pablo Ibañez. Alaves head coach Quique Sanchez Flores responded by introducing Mikel Rodriguez for Denis Suarez and Mariano Diaz for Aitor Mañas, followed by Youssef Enriquez replacing Angel Perez in the 65th minute.
Alaves continued to struggle to break down Getafe despite their numerical advantage, with Getafe maintaining 51 percent possession past the 70th minute. Rebbach received a yellow card for dissent before Getafe midfielder Mario Martin left the field due to injury. The breakthrough finally arrived when Mariano Diaz delivered a cross into the penalty area for Nahuel Tenaglia, who headed past Soria to make it 1-0.
Stoppage Time Goals Seal Opening Win
Getafe sought an immediate response despite their numerical disadvantage. Ramon Terrats tested Alaves goalkeeper Antonio Sivera with a firm shot, while Enes Unal headed wide from a late chance. Bordalas made his final substitutions by introducing Saba Sazonov for Djene and Sebastian Boselli for Andres Garcia, while Alaves midfielder Antonio Blanco picked up a yellow card for stopping Terrats.
Referee Orellana added eight minutes of stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, Mariano Diaz doubled the lead for Alaves with a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area. Diaz was booked for removing his shirt during the celebration. Sanchez Flores then brought on Carles Aleña for Rebbach and Ander Guevara for Blanco to close out the match.
Alaves added a third goal in the 94th minute when Mikel Rodriguez finished with his left foot after receiving an assist from Mariano Diaz. The final whistle confirmed a 3-0 victory, making Alaves the first team to collect three points in the 2026-27 LaLiga season.
Team Lineups and Squad Changes
Sanchez Flores set up Alaves in a three-central-defender formation with Angel Perez and Rebbach operating as wing-backs. Sivera started in goal behind Tenaglia, Koski, and Jonny, with Pablo Ibañez, Antonio Blanco, and Denis Suarez in midfield behind striking duo Toni Martinez and Aitor Mañas. Mañas earned a start after renewing his contract in the summer following his promotion from the youth academy.
Striker Lucas Boye missed out on the starting lineup after suffering adductor discomfort during a pre-season friendly against Racing de Santander. Alaves were also without defender Nicolas Valentini due to a suspension carried over from Italy, while Facundo Garces was unavailable, leaving 21-year-old Xanet Olaiz among the defensive options.
Getafe lined up with Soria in goal protected by a five-man defense of Femenia, Djene, Zaid Romero, Abqar, and Davinchi. Andres Garcia, Mario Martin, Mangala, and Terrats formed the midfield behind single striker Satriano. Summer signings Andres Garcia and Mangala made their official Getafe debuts after joining from Aston Villa and Lyon, respectively. Getafe were without midfielder Christantus Uche, who suffered a serious injury in a pre-season match against Monaco.
Pre-Season Form and Historical Context
Alaves entered the match after an unbeaten pre-season campaign featuring wins over Girona and Castellon alongside draws against Eibar and Racing de Santander. Last season, Alaves finished 14th in LaLiga with 43 points and are aiming for a fourth consecutive season in the top division. Their top scorers last term were Toni Martinez with 14 goals and Lucas Boye with 11 goals. Summer additions to the squad included Miguel Rodriguez, Nicolas Valentini, and Mikel Rodriguez.
Before the match, Sanchez Flores stated that his team arrived with necessary strength after a positive pre-season, emphasizing the importance of squad continuity. He noted that Mendizorroza always elevates the team, while acknowledging that Bordalas's side possessed very clear, well-drilled methods that would create a high-friction contest.
Getafe finished seventh last season and are preparing for an upcoming Conference League play-off tie. Bordalas entered his tenth season across two stints managing the club. Historically, Getafe had dominated recent meetings, with Alaves winning just two of their previous 18 encounters. Getafe won 2-0 at Mendizorroza in February 2026 through goals from Luis Vazquez and an Arambarri penalty. Alaves had also won only two of their previous nine season openers in Primera Division.
Atypical Opening Matchday in LaLiga
The fixture marked the Primera Division debut for referee Manuel Jesus Orellana of the Andalusian committee, with Carlos del Cerro overseeing VAR operations. The match was one of only five fixtures played on the opening weekend, as five matches were postponed.
Four fixtures were delayed to allow adequate rest for international players who competed in the final stages of the summer World Cup. Additionally, the match between Celta Vigo and Osasuna was postponed due to poor pitch conditions at Balaidos. The Mendizorroza clash was the first of two matches scheduled for Saturday, ahead of Sevilla against Rayo Vallecano later in the evening.
