Deportivo Alavés clinch XXIV Trofeo Villa de Laguardia with penalty shootout victory over Eibar
Deportivo Alavés beat Eibar on penalties to win the XXIV Trofeo Villa de Laguardia, sealing a perfect spot-kick display after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Deportivo Alavés secured the XXIV Trofeo Villa de Laguardia by edging SD Eibar in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at the Óscar De Marcos stadium. The Vitoria side converted every spot kick, while Eibar missed two of four attempts, handing Alavés a morale-boosting preseason victory. The match offered early fitness tests and tactical clues for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Early momentum and the first-half breakthrough
Alavés began the game on the front foot, with Abde providing several threatening runs down the left flank that unsettled the Eibar defense. The visitors gradually grew into the contest and took the lead shortly before half-time when Bautista finished after a move that capitalized on a momentary indecision from Owono. That 41st-minute strike proved the difference in a first half that otherwise lacked clear-cut chances and offered managers a chance to assess fitness and shape.
Second-half changes and Mariano’s equaliser
Both coaches made wholesale changes at the start of the second half, turning the game into a lively audition for fringe players and newcomers. Alavés took control after the break and found a deserved equaliser on 65 minutes through Mariano, who finished a well-worked team move to pull the score level. Mariano continued to threaten after levelling the match, narrowly missing a one-on-one that kissed the post and later striking the crossbar with another powerful attempt.
Tactical approaches: Aranbarri’s press versus Quique’s defensive blueprint
Eibar’s head coach Jokin Aranbarri deployed a 4-2-3-1 in his debut tactical setup, emphasizing aggressive, man-oriented pressing high up the pitch to disrupt Alavés in possession. That approach produced phases of sustained pressure, but it also exposed spaces that the Vitoria team tried to exploit on transitions. Alavés coach Quique stuck with a system based on three central defenders in this friendly, while indicating clear plans to shift to a 4-4-2 for the competitive season, and the match served as a testing ground for those ideas.
Penalty shootout details and decisive moments
With the score level after 90 minutes, the outcome was decided from the penalty spot and it was Alavés who held their nerve. The Vitoria side converted every one of their spot kicks, demonstrating composure under pressure and clinical execution from the designated takers. Eibar missed two of their four attempts, allowing Alavés to claim the trophy without the need for sudden-death kicks, and leaving the visitors to reflect on the fine margins that separated the teams.
Standout performers and key saves
Mariano was the most prominent attacking figure for Alavés, combining mobility, finishing and dangerous movement throughout the second half. Abde’s early wing play provided several of the team’s better chances, while Toni Martínez and other forwards tested Eibar’s backline repeatedly after the intervals. On Eibar’s side, Bautista’s first-half goal and sustained work rate were notable, and Lumbreras had a late one-on-one that could have swung the result if he had found the target; Alavés substitute goalkeeper Sivera read the situation well to deny him.
Lineups, substitutions and match details
Deportivo Alavés started with Owono in goal behind Novoa, Tenaglia and Koski, with Xanet, Abde, Guevara and Pablo Ibáñez forming the midfield and Izei, Mañas and Toni Martínez up front. Additional players used by Alavés included Sivera, Ángel Pérez, Protesoni, Jonny, Yusi, Blanco, Diallo, Mikel Rodríguez, Aleñá, Boyé and Mariano. SD Eibar fielded Bermejo, Cubero, Arana, Arbilla and Imanol in defense, with Sergio Álvarez, Mada and Pejiño in midfield and Magunazelaia, Hugo García and Bautista leading the attack, while substitutes on the day included Álvaro, Arambarri, Jair, Bernat, Carrasco, Garrido, Adu Ares, Eric, Asenjo, Martón, Javi Martínez and Lumbreras.
The official in charge was referee Velasco Arbaiza, who issued a booking to Javi Martínez during the match. The friendly was staged at the Óscar De Marcos stadium with an attendance of approximately 500 spectators, providing a contained environment for tactical experimentation and player evaluation.
What the result means for both clubs
The victory gives Deportivo Alavés a concrete lift as they move deeper into preseason preparations, offering both a trophy and a series of positive takeaways about finishing and penalty composure. For Eibar, the game exposed areas for refinement — particularly in finishing spot kicks and sustaining defensive shape against a team intent on quick transitions. Both clubs will use the match footage and fitness data to adjust training loads and tactical drills in the days that follow.
The Trofeo Villa de Laguardia provided managers with useful information on player readiness and squad depth ahead of the competitive calendar. Alavés leave the tournament with confidence that several attacking options can create and convert chances, while Eibar’s coaching staff will focus on sharpening attacking efficiency and composure in high-pressure moments. Both teams return to regular training with clearer selection questions and roles to assign before official matches begin.
Deportivo Alavés’ win at the XXIV Trofeo Villa de Laguardia offered a tidy snapshot of preseason progress: a balanced test of tactics, fitness and mentality that ended in silverware and fresh momentum for the Vitoria side.
