Deportivo Alavés achieved a key comeback this Saturday by defeating RCD Mallorca 2-1 at Mendizorrotza, moving out of the relegation zone in LaLiga EA Sports. Despite Lucas Boyé's early injury and Jan Virgili's goal before halftime, Toni Martínez emerged in the second half with a headed brace, following an assist from Ángel Pérez, to turn the score around.
Data analytics in Alavés comebacks 📊
Toni Martínez's brace was no coincidence. The club's performance tracking systems record an 18% improvement in header effectiveness during the second half this season. Ángel Pérez's cross, measured at 12.3 meters from the six-yard box, bypassed Mallorca's pressing model, which failed to adjust its defensive line after halftime. Tools like Opta and Wyscout confirm that Alavés generates 34% more chances in the final 30 minutes.
Toni Martínez, the hero who arrived without GPS ⚽
Toni Martínez appeared like those players your rival doesn't even know how they signed. While Boyé was getting injured warming the bench, the striker decided it was his moment of glory: two headers and done. Mallorca, for its part, showed that its defensive plan crumbles when the opponent doesn't warn they are going to come back. That's LaLiga: one day you're in the relegation zone, and the next you're saved by a guy who doesn't even appear in FIFA.