Mañas rescues a late draw for Alavés against Málaga

Alavés and Málaga drew 1-1 after Aitor Mañas equalised in the 89th minute, following Adrián Niño’s opener just before half-time. Reacting to a rebound inside the area, Mañas earned Alavés a point and denied Málaga its first league victory of the season.

The match initially appeared to be going Málaga’s way. Juanfran Funes’s side took the lead through Niño, who scored his fourth goal in his second start, Mundo Deportivo reported. Málaga then looked capable of protecting its advantage at Mendizorroza. Its coach praised the team’s organisation and performance, as well as the defensive compactness that helped it win back possession and launch attacks.

Alavés are 7th with 12 points, while Málaga are 20th with 5 points, a gap of 7 points.

Alavés increased the pressure late on and eventually found an equaliser. The goal brought frustration for Funes: he objected to it being allowed to stand, claiming there had been a foul in the build-up. Both managers therefore left Mendizorroza with grievances, though for different reasons.

The result leaves Málaga still searching for a league win. The team had come close to ending that wait, and Funes said he felt disappointed for his players and supporters after they had been so near to a first victory, while drawing encouragement from the overall display. The draw also left Alavés without a win for a sixth consecutive matchday, Mundo Deportivo reported.

The late equaliser changed the outcome of a match in which Málaga had held the lead for much of the contest, while Mañas ensured Alavés avoided defeat. Marca noted that the draw also prevented Málaga from claiming its first Primera victory since April 2018.