With Pacheco, it's difficult to miss Abelardo

Alaves started the 2019-20 season on the right path and showed that they will continue with the same team they had with Abelardo, but with new coach Garitano.

Alaves started somewhat hesitant and, in fact, Levante were the better team in the first half, but they finished much better and showed a great eye for goal.

The fear of losing marked the opener of the League in Mendizorroza. It usually happens that no team wants to start the league championship on the wrong foot and, above all, they all want to achieve maximum points from each game.

Levante had the first chance. Sergio León had the clearest in an attempt that was diverted and Pacheco saved Alavés in one of the last actions of the first half, a shot from Bardhi.

Alaves soon made an impact after the first half. Joselu showed his eye for goal and headed the ball into the back of the net from a corner kick by Aitor. Maripan cleared the ball from the goalkepper's line, but VAR revealed that the ball had already hit the head of the former Newcastle player.

Since then, Alavés tried to exert speed until the final whistle and trust in the knowledge that Pacheco always provides. The goalkeeper saved a ball hand in hand with Sergio León, but that was not his only stop, because he also avoided it being 1-1 after a header from Vezo at the far post.

Not much more happened despite the thousand and one balls to the Levante area in the last few moments. With less offensive strength but greater security behind, Alavés began  this 2019-20 campaign with triumph and put on a good show before their fans.

Levante were completely the opposite, as they put on a good performance, but were very unsuccessful in the face of goal. The difference was made by Pacheco.