Toni Martínez hits purple patch as Alavés' goal machine
The former Porto striker has found his shooting boots in 2026, netting five goals in his last eight matches to equal Lucas Boyé as Alavés' top scorer.
Alavés’ Spanish striker has finally discovered his scoring touch after a slow start to the season, becoming the vital goalscoring outlet that manager ‘Chacho’ Coudet always believed he could be.
From drought to deluge
Toni Martínez is absolutely flying right now for Deportivo Alavés, showing the kind of form that’s got the Mendizorroza faithful purring. The Murcia-born forward has been in sparkling form since the calendar flipped to 2026, bagging five goals in his last eight appearances - a proper turnaround after managing just two league strikes in the entire first half of the season.
Martínez’s latest contribution came at the weekend against Sevilla, where he once again proved crucial in salvaging something from a match that seemed to be slipping away. Despite facing ten men for over an hour, Alavés struggled in the first half before Martínez helped change the complexion after the break.
Finding his feet in Vitoria
The striker’s journey at Alavés hasn’t always been smooth sailing since arriving in Vitoria almost 18 months ago. Despite being a favourite of manager Coudet (affectionately known as ‘Chacho’), the arrival of Lucas Boyé had somewhat reduced his prominence in the team.
However, 2026 has seen a remarkable transformation:
- Scored in the defeat at Villarreal’s La Cerámica stadium
- Netted the decisive goal to eliminate Rayo Vallecano from the Copa del Rey
- Also found the net against Real Sociedad in cup competition
- Added goals against both Betis and Sevilla in La Liga
- Provided a crucial assist for Boyé in the victory over Espanyol
The former Porto man has now drawn level with Boyé as the club’s top scorer this season, stepping up brilliantly to fill the goal void left by Carlos Vicente’s departure.
Chacho’s faith rewarded
Despite being the forward with the most minutes on the pitch during his barren spell, Martínez has finally justified his manager’s unwavering faith. His ability to find the net with regularity has transformed Alavés’ attacking threat, giving them a reliable goalscorer when they needed one most.
If he continues this rich vein of form, Alavés fans might just be in for a treat as the business end of the season approaches. As we say in London, he’s on a right Bobby Dazzler of a run!