Alavés Stun Espanyol with Vital Away Win to Escape Relegation Zone
BARCELONA, 31 January 2026 – Deportivo Alavés pulled off a significant La Liga survival victory on Friday night, defeating Espanyol 2-1 at the RCDE Stadium. The result, confirmed by a video resumen published shortly after the final whistle, lifts the visitors out of the bottom three and halts Espanyol’s push for a European qualification spot.
Match Report: A Tale of Two Halves
The Friday night fixture, which kicked off the league’s weekend schedule, saw a determined Alavés side take the game to their higher-placed hosts. Espanyol, who began the match in fifth position, were looking to rebound from a recent winless streak but found themselves outmanoeuvred by a team fighting for its top-flight life. The visitors’ clinical finishing proved the difference in a tightly contested match.
Key Match Statistics
| Statistic | Espanyol | Alavés |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 1 | 2 |
| League Position (Pre-Match) | 5th | 15th |
| Average Shots per Game* | 11.1 | 12.7 |
| Recent Form | Four-game winless streak | Two wins in last three matches |
*Season averages according to pre-match data.
League Implications: Survival Battle Intensifies
The victory represents a massive three points for Alavés in their relegation scrap. Coming just days after a 2-1 win over Real Betis, this result provides crucial momentum and lifts them clear of the immediate danger zone. For Espanyol, the defeat is a major setback in their quest for European football next season, allowing chasing teams to close the gap. The result underscores the intense competitiveness of La Liga’s lower half, where only four points recently separated ninth place from the relegation zone.
What’s Next for Both Sides?
Espanyol must regroup quickly, with a daunting Catalan derby against league leaders Barcelona looming on the horizon. Manager Roberto had labelled a win against Alavés as the “best medicine” for his squad, but they will now need to find a cure for their faltering form. Alavés, buoyed by this result, will look to build on this success in their next fixture as they aim to consolidate their position in the safety of mid-table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between Espanyol and Alavés?
Deportivo Alavés defeated Espanyol 2-1 in their La Liga match played on 30 January 2026 at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona.
How does this result affect the La Liga table?
The win lifts Alavés out of the relegation zone, providing a vital boost in their survival fight. For Espanyol, the loss damages their hopes of finishing in a European qualification position (5th), as it extends their winless run.
Where can I watch highlights of the match?
Highlights and a full video resumen of the match were published on various sports platforms following the game. Official broadcasters for La Liga in Australia include beIN SPORTS.