Deportivo Alaves moves to LaLiga summit after marching 25-year record in Villarreal win
Deportivo Alaves have made an impressive start to the 2026/27 LaLiga campaign, reaching seven points after three matches and moving temporarily to the top of the table.
Deportivo Alaves continues their outstanding start to the 2026/27 LaLiga campaign after Lucas Boye’s first-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over Villarreal at Mendizorroza on Friday.
The result lifted Quique Sanchez Flores’ side to seven points from their opening three matches, putting them at the summit of the table while maintaining their unbeaten start.
Boye settled the contest in the 31st minute, finishing a well-worked attacking move after Angel Perez created the opening.
Villarreal enjoyed plenty of possession and threatened repeatedly after the interval, but Alaves’ defence stood firm, with goalkeeper Antonio Sivera producing several important saves to preserve the advantage.
The hosts also survived late pressure when Villarreal struck the woodwork, but in the end, the visitors could not find an equaliser.
The victory also extended Alaves’ impressive home record against Villarreal, with the Basque club now unbeaten in their last six meetings at Mendizorroza, winning four and drawing two.
Alaves had previously opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Getafe before drawing 1-1 away to Rayo Vallecano. Their seven-point haul after three matches represents their best start since the 2001/02 top-flight campaign, when they also collected seven points from their opening three fixtures.
The early form has given Sanchez Flores’ team plenty of momentum and temporarily placed them above the traditional LaLiga contenders, although the season remains in its early stages. Villarreal, meanwhile, are still searching for their first league victory after three rounds.
