Alaves vs. Atletico Madrid | La Liga | Pre Match
Alaves vs. Atletico Madrid
Atletico Madrid, one of La Liga’s perennial powerhouses, will look to build on their recent momentum as they travel to Mendizorrotza Stadium on Saturday afternoon to face Alaves in a crucial clash that carries significant implications for both sides. Diego Simeone’s men, currently occupying third place in the La Liga standings with 66 points from 33 matches, are coming off a hard-fought victory against Rayo Vallecano, a result that has kept them comfortably in the race for Champions League qualification. However, their title aspirations, once a realistic prospect earlier in the campaign, have faded, with a 10-point gap separating them from league leaders Barcelona and six points from second-placed Real Madrid. For Atletico, the match against Alaves represents an opportunity to solidify their top-four position and maintain their positive trajectory heading into a pivotal summer transfer window, where the club is expected to undergo significant changes. Alaves, by contrast, are embroiled in a desperate battle to avoid relegation, sitting 17th in the table with 34 points, just two points clear of the drop zone. Fresh off a morale-boosting 1-0 upset against Real Sociedad, Eduardo Coudet’s side will be buoyed by their recent form, but the visit of Atletico poses a formidable challenge for a team that has struggled for consistency, particularly at home. With both sides acutely aware of the stakes—Atletico chasing European security and Alaves fighting for survival—Saturday’s encounter promises to be a fiercely contested affair, steeped in tactical intrigue and emotional intensity.
Atletico Madrid’s 2024-25 campaign has been a tale of unfulfilled promise, marked by flashes of brilliance but ultimately undermined by critical setbacks in both domestic and European competitions. The Red and Whites, who began the season with ambitions of challenging for the La Liga title, have seen their hopes unravel in recent weeks, their 19 wins, nine draws, and five defeats leaving them 10 points adrift of Barcelona with only five matches remaining. While mathematically still in contention, the prospect of overhauling the top two appears remote, requiring an improbable collapse from both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Atletico’s European journey has been equally disappointing, with a Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid in March followed by a Copa del Rey semi-final defeat to Barcelona, extinguishing their hopes of silverware this term. Despite these setbacks, Simeone’s side have secured a commanding 12-point cushion over sixth-placed Real Betis, virtually guaranteeing Champions League qualification for the 2025-26 season, a testament to their consistency in the face of adversity. The team’s recent form, including a gritty win over Rayo Vallecano, has showcased their resilience, with key contributions from players like Conor Gallagher, whose goal in that match underlined his growing importance. As Atletico look ahead to a busy summer transfer window, where reinforcements are expected to bolster an already talented squad, the supporters remain optimistic about a resurgence in the 2025-26 campaign. Against Alaves, Simeone will demand focus and intensity, aware that dropped points could dent the momentum his side has worked hard to build in recent weeks.
Alaves, meanwhile, approach the match with a mixture of trepidation and determination, their precarious position in the La Liga table underscoring the urgency of securing points to stave off relegation. With eight wins, 10 draws, and 15 defeats from their 33 matches, the Basque outfit have accumulated 34 points, a tally that places them just two points above the relegation zone. Their recent 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad, a result that defied expectations given Sociedad’s pedigree, has injected a surge of confidence into Coudet’s squad, which has won two of its last four league matches and lost only once in that span, to Real Madrid. This upturn in form has been driven by a combination of tactical adjustments and standout individual performances, notably from striker Kike Garcia, who has scored 12 goals this season and remains a linchpin in Alaves’ attack. However, their struggles at home, where they have amassed just 19 points from 16 matches, pose a significant concern, particularly against an Atletico side that, despite dropping points in nine of their 16 away league fixtures, boasts the quality to punish defensive lapses. Alaves’ 2-0 victory over Atletico in the corresponding fixture last season offers a glimmer of hope, but their 2-1 defeat in the reverse match at Wanda Metropolitano earlier this campaign serves as a reminder of the challenge posed by Simeone’s well-drilled unit. For Coudet, the match is a chance to capitalize on Atletico’s occasional vulnerabilities on the road while ensuring his side remains above the relegation line ahead of another daunting fixture against Athletic Bilbao on May 11.
The tactical battle between Simeone and Coudet will be a focal point, with both managers likely to field near-full-strength lineups despite injury concerns. Alaves are expected to be without defender Abdel Abqar, whose absence has been a blow to their defensive stability, but the squad is otherwise in good health, allowing Coudet to make calculated changes. His decision to introduce Ander Guevara and Tomas Conechny at halftime against Real Sociedad paid dividends, with the duo playing pivotal roles in securing the win, and both are in contention for starting spots against Atletico. Kike Garcia’s experience and goalscoring prowess will be crucial, his ability to exploit Atletico’s high defensive line potentially key to Alaves’ hopes of an upset. For Atletico, Simeone is blessed with a fully available squad, a rarity this season, and is expected to recall Antoine Griezmann to the starting XI after the Frenchman started on the bench against Rayo. Griezmann’s creativity and work rate make him a cornerstone of Atletico’s attack, and his return could see Alexander Sørloth, despite his recent goal, relegated to a substitute role. Jose Gimenez is also in line for a recall in defense, bolstering a backline that has shown improvement in recent weeks, while Conor Gallagher’s goalscoring cameo against Rayo should ensure his place in a wide midfield role. Atletico’s depth and versatility give them a significant edge, but their inconsistency away from home—evident in their nine dropped points on the road—offers Alaves a window of opportunity, provided they can maintain their defensive discipline and capitalize on counter-attacking chances.
The broader context of this match adds layers of intrigue, with both clubs at critical junctures in their seasons. For Atletico, the disappointment of their faltering title challenge and cup exits has shifted focus to securing a strong finish and laying the groundwork for a revitalized campaign next term. The club’s planned activity in the summer transfer market, aimed at addressing squad imbalances and adding depth, reflects a long-term vision under Simeone, whose tenure continues to inspire confidence despite recent setbacks. The Red and Whites’ ability to dominate possession and grind out results, even when not at their fluid best, makes them formidable opponents, but their occasional lapses in concentration, particularly away from home, could be exploited by an Alaves side fighting for survival. For the hosts, the match is a defining moment in their battle to remain in La Liga, their recent victories showcasing a resilience that has kept them afloat despite their inconsistent campaign. Coudet’s tactical nous, evident in his ability to adapt mid-match, will be tested against Simeone’s pragmatic approach, which prioritizes defensive solidity and clinical finishing. The historical precedent of Alaves’ win over Atletico last season adds an element of unpredictability, but the visitors’ superior quality and depth make them favorites to prevail.
As Saturday’s clash looms, the Mendizorrotza Stadium will be charged with anticipation, the passionate Alaves faithful desperate for a result that could propel their team closer to safety. Atletico, buoyed by their recent form and the prospect of Champions League football next season, will approach the match with quiet confidence, aware that a victory would further cement their top-four credentials. The contrast between the two sides—Atletico’s established pedigree against Alaves’ scrappy underdog spirit—sets the stage for a compelling narrative, one that encapsulates the drama and unpredictability of La Liga. For Simeone, the match is a chance to maintain momentum and silence critics who have questioned his side’s title credentials, while for Coudet, it is an opportunity to defy the odds and keep Alaves’ relegation fears at bay. In a season defined by highs and lows for both clubs, this encounter at Mendizorrotza promises to be a pivotal moment, a test of character and strategy that could shape their respective paths in the final weeks of the campaign.
