Alavés Vs Celta

Alavés will aim to secure consecutive victories in La Liga for only the second time this season as they prepare to host Celta Vigo at the Mendizorrotza Stadium on Monday night. Both teams are battling to steer clear of the relegation zone, setting the stage for a crucial encounter.

The home side currently occupies 17th place in the La Liga standings, having collected 20 points from their opening 20 matches. Their inconsistent form has left them just one point above the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Celta Vigo sit in 13th place, with 24 points to their name, giving them a modest five-point cushion from the bottom three.

Alavés’s recent performance provides them with some hope. They secured an impressive 3-1 victory over Real Betis in their last outing, a game that saw Kike García shine with a hat-trick. This result marked a significant boost for Eduardo Coudet's team, who have struggled for consistency throughout the campaign. Despite their precarious position, Alavés have demonstrated a fighting spirit, amassing a record of five wins, five draws, and ten losses so far. However, their defensive frailties remain a concern, with 32 goals conceded in 20 matches. If they are to maintain their top-flight status, shoring up their backline will be essential.

Interestingly, Alavés have been relatively productive in attack compared to other teams in the lower reaches of the table. Their 24 goals make them the highest scorers among the bottom six sides. At home, the Blue and Whites have shown mixed form, registering three wins, three draws, and three losses in nine league fixtures. They have scored nine goals at the Mendizorrotza Stadium this season, which highlights their need to improve efficiency in front of their own fans. Facing a Celta Vigo side that has struggled on the road, winning only one of their nine away league matches this season, Alavés may sense an opportunity to secure another vital three points.

The history between these two teams adds an extra layer of intrigue. Alavés triumphed 3-0 in the corresponding fixture last season, a result that will give them confidence heading into Monday's match. However, Celta Vigo had the upper hand in their most recent meeting, claiming a 2-1 victory on the opening day of the current campaign. Recent head-to-head encounters have largely favored Celta, who have won six of their last eight clashes against Alavés in La Liga. This dominance will undoubtedly motivate the visitors to continue their strong record in this fixture.

For Celta Vigo, this match represents an opportunity to halt their recent slide. Claudio Giráldez’s side enters the game on the back of three consecutive defeats, including losses to Rayo Vallecano and Athletic Bilbao in the league, as well as a humbling 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey. While their position in 13th place offers some breathing room, Celta remain just five points clear of the relegation zone. With the season entering a critical phase, they will be acutely aware of the importance of picking up points against fellow strugglers like Alavés.

Celta’s attacking output has been one of their more positive aspects this season. They have scored 29 goals in 20 matches, a tally that surpasses that of Alavés. However, their defensive record is identical to their opponents, with 32 goals conceded. This balance between attacking flair and defensive vulnerability has made Celta an entertaining, if unpredictable, side to watch. Giráldez will be keen to find greater defensive solidity as his team aims to avoid being drawn into a relegation scrap.

Celta’s away form has been a significant weakness this season. They have managed just one victory on the road, highlighting their struggles to perform consistently outside the confines of the Abanca-Balaídos Stadium. Their ability to improve in this area could prove decisive in determining their fate come the end of the season. Against an Alavés side that has been far from formidable at home, Celta will view this match as a chance to turn their fortunes around.

Both teams come into this game with plenty to play for, making it a potentially pivotal fixture in the battle to avoid relegation. For Alavés, building on their momentum from the victory over Real Betis will be crucial. Their attacking players, led by the in-form Kike García, will need to deliver once again if they are to claim another valuable win. At the same time, their defense must step up to cope with Celta’s potent attack.

On the other hand, Celta Vigo will aim to rediscover their form after a difficult run of results. Their attacking players, including key contributors such as Iago Aspas, will be expected to pose a threat to the Alavés defense. However, the visitors must also tighten up at the back to avoid being punished by their opponents. With both teams displaying similar defensive records, the match could well be decided by which side is more clinical in front of goal.

In the context of the broader La Liga season, this game could have significant implications for the relegation battle. Alavés will be eager to climb further away from the danger zone, while Celta will look to solidify their mid-table position and avoid being dragged into the fight at the bottom. With so much at stake, fans can expect an intense and hard-fought encounter at the Mendizorrotza Stadium.

Ultimately, the outcome of this match will depend on which team can better manage the pressures of the occasion. Alavés will hope that home advantage and their recent victory over Real Betis provide them with the confidence needed to secure another positive result. Meanwhile, Celta Vigo will rely on their experience and attacking quality to overcome their recent struggles and claim a vital win on the road. As both sides gear up for this crucial clash, the stage is set for a fascinating contest that could have a lasting impact on their respective campaigns.