CD Anaitasuna FT 0-0 Deportivo Alavés: Alavés Survive Copa del Rey Scare

CD Anaitasuna FT held Deportivo Alavés to a 0-0 draw in their Copa del Rey knockout tie on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, forcing the top-flight visitors to dig deep at Campo de Anaitasuna. The hosts produced a disciplined and courageous defensive display, taking the tie into extra time and then a penalty shootout.

Alavés dominated possession and created the clearer chances, but CD Anaitasuna FT defended with intensity and relied on their goalkeeper to keep the scores level. The scoreline remained 0-0 after 120 minutes, and Alavés eventually advanced on penalties, avoiding a major cup upset.

Match overview

Deportivo Alavés began brightly and looked to impose their higher-division quality from the first whistle. The La Liga side moved the ball with purpose, using their wide players to stretch the Anaitasuna defence. The hosts responded by dropping into a deep block and defending their penalty area with numbers.

CD Anaitasuna FT grew into the game as the first half wore on, and their crowd responded to every successful tackle and clearance. Alavés increased the pressure after the break, but the home goalkeeper made several saves and the defence blocked a number of shots from inside the box.

Key moments

• 9th minute: Alavés’ first effort from close range was blocked by a defender after a dangerous cross.
• 36th minute: CD Anaitasuna FT nearly scored on the counter, but the striker’s low shot was saved by the visiting goalkeeper.
• 64th minute: Alavés headed narrowly wide from a corner as the pressure mounted.
• 112th minute: The Anaitasuna goalkeeper tipped a powerful free-kick over the bar to keep the tie level.

Tactical story

CD Anaitasuna FT’s approach was clear from the start: stay compact, defend the central areas, and force Alavés into wide deliveries. The hosts’ midfielders worked hard to close down passing lanes, while the back four defended crosses with determination. Their counter-attacks were rare but carried a threat, especially when Alavés committed bodies forward.

Alavés controlled the ball but struggled to break down a team defending so deeply. Their best chances came from set-pieces and second balls, but the final finish was missing. In extra time, the visitors pushed harder and created a few half-openings, yet Anaitasuna’s goalkeeper remained composed. The shootout was a cruel way for the hosts to exit, but their performance will be remembered.

Standout performers

The CD Anaitasuna FT goalkeeper was outstanding, making key saves in regulation and extra time. The centre-backs also produced a brave display, blocking shots and winning important headers. For Alavés, the midfield playmaker tried to unlock the defence with through balls, while the substitute winger added directness in the second half.

What the tie means

Alavés move on in the Copa del Rey, but the match will serve as a warning about the difficulty of away ties against motivated lower-division opponents. For CD Anaitasuna FT, the result is a source of pride: a clean sheet against top-flight opposition and a performance that pushed the tie to the limit. The cup night underlined the value of organisation, goalkeeping, and belief in knockout football.