Dramatic 129th-minute winner sends Alaves back to La Liga

Alaves bounced back to La Liga with a dramatic 129th-minute penalty winner against Levante to clinch a 1-0 promotion play-off triumph on Saturday after extra-time.

Asier Villalibre, on loan from Athletic Bilbao, converted from the spot after Rober Pier handled the ball just inside his area to snatch Alaves victory in the second leg.

Levante had been poised to earn promotion even though the second leg was tied 0-0, after the first leg also finished goalless, because the competition’s rules dictate the team which finished highest would be promoted, in lieu of a penalty shootout.

The Valencia side finished third in the second division, a point above Alaves, fourth.

However, the Basque side usurped them at the last moment to return to top flight football, following their relegation from La Liga last season.

Copyright © 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Full Story »