Deportivo Alavés edged three points clear of the La Liga relegation places after battling to a 2-2 draw with Girona, who extended their impressive league form to just one defeat in eight matches.
The contest began cautiously, but it burst into life following a costly blunder from Girona goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.
The Argentine failed to deal with Yusi’s delivery into the box, gifting Lucas Boyé the simplest of finishes from close range.
Alavés nearly capitalised again moments later when Daley Blind’s hesitation allowed Toni Martínez a clear sight of goal, only for the forward to blaze his effort over the bar.
The hosts maintained control for much of the opening stages, while Girona’s first meaningful attempt arrived around the 15-minute mark through Viktor Tsygankov.
Clear-cut chances were scarce until the half-hour, when Girona made their pressure count. A corner was flicked on at the near post by Axel Witsel and met at the back post by an unmarked Vladyslav Vanat, who tapped home to level the scores.
Bryan Gil began to influence proceedings in midfield as the visitors grew into the game, and Iván Martín went close as Girona finished the first half the stronger side.
Alavés emerged from the interval with renewed urgency. Youssef Enríquez and Pablo Ibáñez both threatened early on, with Ibáñez’s effort forcing Gazzaniga into treatment after appearing to leave him hurt.
The goalkeeper eventually continued after receiving medical attention.
Despite Alavés’ attacking intent, Girona remained dangerous on the counter, particularly when Gil was involved.
However, they struggled to test Antonio Sivera again until the 69th minute, when Azzedine Ounahi and Witsel both tried their luck in quick succession.
The breakthrough soon followed. Ounahi split the defence with a sublime through ball, sending Tsygankov clear to round Sivera and slot into an empty net.
Girona looked set to claim all three points, but a dramatic finale denied them. In the 89th minute, Boyé struck again, rising superbly to head home Victor Parada’s cross and snatch a late equaliser.
While Girona will feel frustrated at conceding so late, Alavés’ point still leaves them with just one win from their last six LaLiga meetings against the Catalan side (D2, L3).
