Eduardo Coudet’s side were out to end a run of three games without a win at home and secure a first victory at the Estadio Mendizorrotza under their new manager.
They were given the chance to make an ideal start when Fran Beltran used his arm to clear a Carlos Vicente corner, and after VAR consultation, referee Francisco Maeso pointed to the spot and Kike Garcia converted the penalty after five minutes for his fourth goal in two matches.
In response, Celta won the battle for possession in the first half, but could not create any opportunities. In fact, the spot-kick was the only shot of any kind for either team in the whole of the first 45 minutes.
The introduction of Williot Swedberg at half-time saw an almost instant upturn in the visitors’ attacking fortunes - his 20-yard effort three minutes into the second half was Celta’s first of the game and forced Jesus Owono into a decent save.
The home goalkeeper was left scrambling a few minutes later as a neat cushioned volley from Sergio Carreira sailed over him, but landed on the roof of the net.
However, Owono’s luck changed midway through the half when pressure from Los Celestes finally told.
A pass infield found Pablo Duran 25 yards from goal, where he took one touch to tee himself up and volleyed the ball goalwards, and although Owono got a hand to it, he couldn’t keep out Duran’s third of the campaign.
Los Blanquiazules were claiming a second penalty for handball within seconds of the restart after a questionable touch from Carl Starfelt, but their appeals were turned away.
A late Vicente shot arrowing wide was the closest either side came to snatching it, and failure to secure all three points sees Alaves go winless in four home matches for the first time since 2022.
Meanwhile, Claudio Giraldez’s side are now without a win in seven trips to the Basque Country, but their positive run over Alaves continues, losing just one of the last nine meetings.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Carlos Vicente (Alaves)