Veteran Revival: 33-year-old Mariano Breaks Out at Alaves with 3 Goals and 3 Assists in Four La Liga Rounds

In La Liga round four, Alaves beat Osasuna 5-2. Mariano assisted Boye's long-range goal in the 27th minute and scored with a low shot in the 36th minute. After four rounds, he has three goals and three assists in 168 minutes.

Against Osasuna, Boye scored with a long-range effort after Mariano's supporting movement. Mariano then scored from distance before Boye completed a hat-trick in the second half.

Statistics show Mariano has three goals, three assists, six shots with five on target, and strong duel numbers, showing improved work rate and hold-up play.

In round one against Getafe he scored once and assisted twice as a substitute. He scored again against Rayo Vallecano and contributed pressing against Villarreal before his latest performance.

After four rounds, Alaves have three wins and one draw with 10 points. Boye has four goals and Mariano has three goals and three assists as key attacking contributors.

After Ronaldo left Real Madrid in 2018, Madrid brought Mariano back from Lyon and gave him the number seven shirt. He scored four goals in the 2018-19 season.

After Hazard took the number seven shirt, Mariano received fewer opportunities. Competition included Benzema, Vinicius and Rodrygo as Real Madrid's attacking options.

Mariano left Real Madrid in 2023 and joined Sevilla. His appearances were limited and injuries affected his ability to provide consistent finishing.

After becoming a free agent in 2024, Mariano struggled to find a club. His market value dropped and his La Liga scoring drought lasted more than three years.

Alaves signed free agent Mariano in August 2025. His previous league numbers were poor, although he had scored in cup competitions.

Before 2026, Mariano had limited playing time. After Flores took charge, he was used as a support striker alongside Boye.

In the first three rounds, Mariano scored, assisted, equalized a match and helped with pressing as he gradually regained rhythm.

Against Osasuna, Mariano dropped deep, received the ball, created space and finished from outside the box, showing a major improvement.

Flores uses a two-forward system, with Boye making runs and Mariano creating chances and space.

Mariano's numbers show he can operate on the flank and around the penalty area, with improved dueling and pressing ability.

When Mariano returned to Real Madrid in 2018, the number seven shirt created huge expectations because of Ronaldo's legacy.

His struggles at Sevilla and injury history lowered his market reputation, and he was considered a possible departure candidate.

Mariano rebuilt his physical condition through training and gradually increased his match intensity after joining Alaves.

He has two yellow cards this season and shows aggressive pressing. His shooting decisions have become more confident.

The contrast between his previous low output and four goals and assists in four rounds shows the scale of his short-term revival.

Boye has scored four goals, while Mariano's support play has helped create attacking space as part of Alaves' overall improvement.

Alaves have improved significantly compared with last season, and Mariano is one of the important factors behind their attacking progress.

Born in 1993, Mariano came through Real Madrid's academy and has played for Lyon, Real Madrid and Sevilla during his career.

After joining Sevilla in 2023, his impact was limited. He moved to Alaves in 2025 and exploded in the opening rounds of the 2026 season.

His career path has gone from the pressure of Real Madrid's number seven shirt to a free-agent low point and finally a revival at Alaves.