Alaves proved too much for a wasteful Espanyol, emerging 2-1 victors in this La Liga clash. Espanyol had the better of the early proceedings, taking the lead through Rodrigo Fernandez Jaen's 15th-minute strike. However, Alaves quickly responded, with Alvaro Blanco leveling the scores just 12 minutes later.

The key tactical reason for Alaves' victory was their incisiveness in the final third. While Espanyol managed 10 shots inside the box, they only mustered 3 on target. In contrast, Alaves registered 7 shots on goal from just 6 attempts in the box, showcasing a clinical edge that Espanyol lacked. This was epitomized by Lucas Boye's winning goal in the 71st minute, which came from Alaves' sole shot on target in the second half.

Espanyol's tactical failure was their inability to capitalize on their territorial dominance. They enjoyed 50% possession and completed 79% of their 403 passes, but failed to create enough clear-cut chances. Their xG of 0.69 compared unfavorably to Alaves' 1.24, indicating Espanyol's struggles to turn their control of the game into tangible scoring opportunities.

In the end, Alaves' ruthlessness in front of goal proved the difference, with Luis Boye's late strike sealing a valuable three points for the away side.