Valencia ground out a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Alavés on Matchday 6 of La Liga, securing all three points thanks to a watertight defensive performance headlined by Pepelu's extraordinary 11 clearances. It was a result that will breathe life into Valencia's campaign while leaving the hosts searching for answers at Mendizorroza.

The match was defined by Valencia's defensive discipline. Pepelu was a colossus at the back, throwing himself into every aerial duel and ground challenge to repel wave after wave of Alavés pressure. His 11 clearances told the story of a player who simply refused to let anything past him. Time and again, when the home side thought they had carved open an opportunity, Pepelu was there to snuff out the danger before it could materialise into a genuine scoring chance.

While the defensive effort was collective, Luis Rioja stood out as the most complete performer on the pitch, earning a match rating of 7.6. Rioja's contribution went beyond mere statistics — he provided the creative spark and work rate that allowed Valencia to control proceedings in key phases. Facing his former club Alavés, Rioja seemed particularly motivated, combining industry with quality in a display that caught the eye of everyone inside the stadium.

For Alavés, the frustration was palpable. Despite enjoying spells of possession and territorial advantage at home, they were unable to convert their dominance into clear-cut opportunities. Valencia's compact shape and willingness to defend as a unit meant that the hosts were reduced to speculative efforts from distance, none of which troubled the visiting goalkeeper enough to break the deadlock.

The solitary goal proved enough for Valencia to claim a vital clean sheet victory on the road. In a La Liga season where points are at a premium, this kind of disciplined away win could prove invaluable. For Alavés, it is another setback in what is shaping up to be a challenging campaign, with the lack of cutting edge in the final third an increasingly pressing concern. Valencia, meanwhile, will take heart from the knowledge that when the defensive foundations are this solid, results will follow.

Alavés 0-1 Valencia