The 1–1 draw between Villarreal and Deportivo Alavés on March 13, 2026 left Alavés supporters heartbroken after a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser from Nicolas Pépé erased what looked like a hard-earned victory. The late goal at Mendizorrotza Stadium triggered a wave of frustration online, with many fans believing the team once again let crucial points slip away at the very end.
Softfootball reported that Supporters quickly took to social media to express their disappointment at the result. One fan, Javier, defended the effort of the players but criticised their inability to finish games strongly, writing,
“I don’t think you can blame the team for anything today, as always, we don’t know how to close out a **** match.”
His comment reflected a common sentiment among fans who felt the performance deserved more than a draw.
Another supporter, Arimo, pointed to the club’s financial limitations compared with other teams in La Liga. He acknowledged the squad’s effort but said expectations must be realistic, posting,
“We are the cheapest squad in La Liga, you cannot ask for pears from the elm tree.”
His remark highlighted the challenges Alavés face competing against wealthier clubs.
Muhammed focused on the final moments that led to the equaliser, particularly a failed counterattack that could have sealed the victory. Frustrated by the twist of events, he wrote,
“That last counterattack killed us, and Pépé turned into his Lille version at the worst possible time.”
The comment referenced the winger’s prolific form during his spell at Lille OSC.
Other fans also vented their frustration at what they see as a recurring problem for the team. Supporters Cradier and Hodei both pointed to the growing number of points lost late in matches this season. One of them lamented,
“We might set a world record for points lost in stoppage time,”
while another added,
“This keeps happening… it’s not normal anymore.”
Elsewhere in the league, Atlético Madrid supporters were not entirely satisfied despite their side’s victory over Deportivo La Coruña, criticising the team’s overall performance. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad previously dealt another painful blow to Alavés earlier in the season with a dramatic 3–2 win in the Basque derby decided by a late goal.
Alavés’ repeated struggles to close out matches in the final minutes are becoming a defining theme of their 2025/26 campaign. While the team continues to compete with determination, these late collapses could prove costly as the battle for survival and league positioning intensifies.
