The Primera Division curtain-raiser yielded a vital victory for Deportivo Alaves, who eased past Getafe 3-0 in a battle between two sides predicted to struggle in the lower reaches. While the contest began as a cagey, disjointed affair, the season's first red card—shown to Kiko Femenia—handed the initiative to the 'Babazorros'. Reduced to ten men, Jose Bordalas’ side retreated into a low block to preserve parity, but their resistance was finally broken when Nahuel Tenaglia met a Mariano cross following a marauding run. The Dominican forward then put the result beyond doubt in the closing stages with a spectacular strike before turning provider again for Mikel Rodriguez to add a third.

Alaves: The Basque outfit commenced their campaign in perfect fashion at Mendizorroza. A man advantage following the interval simplified the task for Quique Sanchez Flores’ side, who grew in confidence as the game progressed. The manager raised eyebrows by handing Mariano a starting berth, but the tactical gamble proved inspired as the forward registered two assists before capping his performance with a thunderous late goal. This was a statement 3-0 win to kick off the season.

Getafe: This was a nightmare opening weekend for Jose Bordalas and his charges. Starved of creativity even before Femenia’s dismissal, the visitors were forced into a desperate defensive rearguard. David Soria produced several trademark saves to keep the scores level, but was ultimately powerless to prevent Nahuel Tenaglia’s breakthrough or the subsequent strikes from Mariano and Mikel Rodriguez. Furthermore, the absence of the departed Luis Milla was keenly felt, leaving a significant void in Getafe’s midfield engine room and dead-ball delivery.

Mikel Rodriguez

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