Mariano shines as Alavés crushes Getafe 3-0 in LaLiga opener

LaLiga 26/27 kicked off with an Alavés-Getafe clash defined by physicality and fouls, where Mariano Díaz emerged as the unlikely hero. The Hispanic-Dominican striker, ex-Real Madrid player, broke through the sluggish nature of the opening 45 minutes with decisive second-half contributions.

The match started rough: 18 fouls, three yellows and a red card in the first half alone, according to Mundo Deportivo. Kiko Femenía's 42nd-minute red for Getafe (following a shocking tackle reviewed by VAR) shifted the balance. Playing down a man, the visitors couldn't hold the line.

Mariano takes over

In the 74th minute, Mariano crossed for Nico Tenaglia at the far post to open the scoring 1-0. From there, the match unraveled in Alavés' favor. The striker ran freely down the left flank, cut inside, and after a rebound, fired past the keeper into the far corner for 2-0. Minutes later (91'), he teed up Mikel Rodríguez for the simple 3-0 finish.

The victory gives Alavés a confidence boost at the start of their campaign, though the match's lack of quality play—dominated by contact rather than flowing football—meant LaLiga's opening day belonged more to physicality than artistry until numerical advantage allowed the game to open up.