Alaves rallies to sink Valencia 2-1 in La Liga

VITORIA-GASTEIZ: Deportivo Alavés came from behind to beat visiting Valencia 2-1 in a La Liga tie held at the Mendizorroza Stadium here. Alaves was more solid and accurate, managing to weather the early lead for Valencia created by midfielder Dani Parejo and securing the three points thanks to goals netted by striker Borja Baston and midfielder Tomas Pina on Saturday, reports Efe. With this win, Alaves provisionally moved into the fourth spot in the La Liga standings with 31 points, while Valencia remained in 11th place with 22 points. At the beginning, Valencia was the first to try and penetrate its rival’s defense but Rodrigo’s try did not pose much danger to the hosts’ net. At minute 14, Parejo got Valencia on the scoreboard on a well-executed free-kick while Alaves keeper Fernando Pacheco just watched the ball get by him into the net. The hosts, however, reacted immediately drawing level seven minutes later on a corner kick, as Valencia’s defense tried to clear the ball without success. Guillermo Maripan then shot the ball from a close range for the equalizer. (IANS)