Málaga had looked capable of taking all three points at Mendizorroza, with coach Juanfran Funes praising his side’s organisation and performance. But Alavés pushed harder late on and found an equaliser through Mañas, leaving both managers with mixed feelings.
Alavés boss Quique Sánchez Flores was deeply unhappy with his team’s display, describing it as their worst performance of the season and criticising the errors that undermined their first-half efforts.
“We have not played the match we wanted. We started well, but we accumulated too many losses of possession and that spread through the team. There was too much stress when playing the ball,” he said.
Sánchez Flores said a tactical change after the break failed to improve the performance until the final 15 minutes. He apologised to the supporters but pledged to stand by his players.
“I will be with the players more than ever because now is the time to be with them,” he said.
Funes, meanwhile, was angry that Alavés’ equaliser was allowed to stand, claiming a foul had occurred in the build-up.
“We can see that, on their goal, he clearly steps on Recio,” the Málaga coach said, arguing that the incident involving his midfielder should have been penalised.
Funes felt his side had done enough to win and described the opening 45 minutes as their best first half of the season. He also praised the defensive compactness that helped Málaga recover possession and launch attacks.
“We have been closer together today and that has helped us win the ball back more and make transitions,” he said.
The visitors’ lead came through Niño in the 44th minute, continuing the forward’s scoring run, and they held on until the closing stages. Mañas then reacted to a rebound inside the area to level the score and earn Alavés a point.
Sánchez Flores admitted his team had been uncomfortable and erratic for much of the contest, with mistakes affecting confidence. He said the result was a reminder of how quickly poor performances can damage a side’s belief.
“The results give and take confidence. Matches like today’s take confidence away from us,” he said.
Funes was disappointed for his players and supporters after coming so close to a first win, but took encouragement from the overall display.
“I am dissatisfied for our people, because we couldn't give them that victory we came close to,” he said. “Also for the players, who have made a great effort and played a great match.”
The draw left Málaga still searching for a league win, while Alavés escaped defeat with Mañas’ late intervention. Both managers left Mendizorroza believing their teams had reasons to feel aggrieved.