A quick strike from Abde just 40 seconds in set a heavy tone for Deportivo Alavés, signaling a dominant start that the visitors from Eibar could not fully overturn.
Alavés seized the advantage early in the first half, buoyed by a header from Abde that unlocked the game and put the Albiazules in control as they defended compactly. Eibar showed brighter attacking intent than in the opening period but found the path to a comeback blocked by solid resistance at the back and a lack of sustained speed in the attacking third. Antonio Sivera denied the best early openings for the opponents, while Stoichkov managed to create a fleeting chance in close range that required a sharp reflex from the goalkeeper to keep the sheet clean. This sequence underscored the defensive discipline of Luis García Plaza’s side, keeping their goal under minimal threat for long stretches.
The Alavés attack grew more incisive as the match progressed, presenting three clear opportunities to seal the result. The first came from Sylla, a movement that culminated in a goal ruled out for offside, followed by a more promising moment from Abde Rebbach whose sharp touch almost doubled the score. The decisive moment arrived when Asier Villalibre converted his first attempt, delivering the second goal and snapping any late doubt. The finish helped the home side settle in the closing minutes as Eibar began to fold under pressure, their resistance crumbling as the clock ticked down toward full time.
All the key details of Alavés versus Eibar in the promotion playoff for the top flight can be found through this matchup review.
Deportivo Alavés will travel to the away leg next Sunday to face Levante in the playoff final, while Eibar remains in the battle for promotion, continuing to push for the outcome that could tilt the tie in their favor in the later stages of the postseason.
Alavés hit the mark at 43 minutes to push toward the playoff final, with Abde orchestrating the breakthrough. pic.twitter.com/96IE0QHwMf
— GOAL Spain (@GoalEspana) June 8, 2023
With the result standing at a 1-1 draw after the first leg, Deportivo Alavés held the advantage for progression to the next round as they prepared to meet Levante, who had completed their own tie against Albacete. Eibar needed a goal to push the match into extra time and then a second to secure their place, as a draw after extra time would leave the Albiazules in position to advance to the final of the promotion playoff.
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The summary of Alavés vs. Eibar from the Playoff for promotion to First Division: video, goals and statistics
Minute 88: Gooooooooooooool for Asier Villalibre! ALAVES 2-0 Eibar. The Buffalo seals the result as Abde Rebbach evades a defender and slips a cross into the box where Villalibre finishes with precision. Zidane watches as the ball finds the net and the night is sealed for the home team.
INSTALLATION INSTALLATION INSTALLATION #AlavesEibar #AltaLaFrente ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/sBO8bCLoUg
— Deportivo Alaves (@Alaves) June 8, 2023
Minute 1: Gooooooooooooool for Abde Rebbach! ALAVES 1-0 Eibar. Alavés struck within the opening 40 seconds as Luis Rioja delivered a dangerous cross from the right after cutting inside, setting up the Algerian striker to finish with a powerful header past the goalkeeper and into the far corner.
Source: Goal