Nicolas Pépé scored a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser as Villarreal CF rescued a 1–1 draw against Deportivo Alavés in La Liga, a result that leaves the hosts without a victory in their last four home matches.

Alavés head coach Quique Sánchez Flores was overseeing his first home match in charge against a Villarreal side managed by Marcelino García Toral. The visitors arrived with ambitions of maintaining their push toward another top-four finish but have struggled to replicate their strong home form on the road in recent weeks.

Quiet first half

Those away difficulties were evident early on in what proved to be a largely underwhelming first half from the visitors. Villarreal were expected to take control against their relegation-threatened opponents but struggled to create clear chances.

The best opportunity for the visitors inside the opening half hour came when Sergi Cardona met a corner with a near-post header that flashed wide. At the other end, Toni Martínez dragged an effort wide for Alavés.

Frustration was visible on the Villarreal bench, and it grew further when the hosts took the lead in the 40th minute. Goalkeeper Luiz Júnior initially denied both Pablo Ibáñez and Martínez inside the area, but the latter produced a brilliant improvised back-heel cross that forced a mistake from Rafa Marín, whose header ended up in his own net.

Villarreal pushed for an immediate response before the break. Santi Comesaña had two promising chances but was denied both times by Alavés goalkeeper Antonio Sivera, while Pépé fired the rebound from the second opportunity over the bar.

Scrappy second half

The match became increasingly scrappy after the restart, with wet conditions in Vitoria-Gasteiz making fluid play difficult.

Martínez and Ibáñez both attempted efforts from distance for the hosts but failed to trouble the target. Villarreal responded through Georges Mikautadze, whose first-time strike at the near post was pushed away by Sivera.

Despite increasing pressure, Villarreal struggled to find rhythm. Pépé came close with a deflected left-footed strike that drifted narrowly wide.

The visitors nearly saw another own goal decide the match when Alex Freeman launched a long throw that was almost diverted into his own net by Ville Koski, but the post spared the defender.

Late drama

As the game moved deep into stoppage time, Marín’s earlier own goal appeared set to settle the contest. However, Pépé produced a moment of brilliance in the 98th minute, unleashing a powerful left-footed strike that flew past a motionless Sivera to snatch a point for Villarreal.

The late goal ensured Villarreal CF avoided defeat, though the result leaves both sides with plenty to reflect on as the La Liga season continues.