Alavés Vs Real Sociedad

Deportivo Alavés will resume their battle for La Liga survival this Wednesday as they prepare to host Basque rivals Real Sociedad at the Mendizorroza Stadium in what promises to be a fiercely contested regional derby. With the season entering its decisive phase, every point carries immense significance for both sides, albeit for very different reasons. While Alavés are entrenched in a tense relegation scrap, Real Sociedad remain firmly in the hunt for European qualification, aiming to extend their impressive streak of continental football to six consecutive seasons.

For Alavés, the stakes could hardly be higher. Currently languishing in the relegation zone, El Glorioso have managed just seven victories in 32 league matches, alongside ten draws and fifteen defeats, leaving them in a precarious position as the campaign nears its climax. Under the guidance of manager Eduardo Coudet, the team has experienced fluctuating fortunes in recent weeks, securing only one win in their last five outings while suffering two losses and settling for two draws. Their most recent performances have been a mixed bag—beginning with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Las Palmas, followed by back-to-back home defeats against Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid. However, they did manage to pull off a crucial 1-0 away victory over Girona, demonstrating their ability to grind out results when needed.

Their resilience was on display once again this past Sunday when they traveled to face Sevilla. Falling behind early to a goal from Peque, Alavés showed commendable fighting spirit as striker Kike García leveled the score, ensuring the match ended in a 1-1 stalemate. This result extended their unbeaten run on the road to five matches (one win, four draws), a statistic that will provide some encouragement as they navigate the remaining fixtures. However, despite this minor upturn in away form, their struggles at Mendizorroza are a growing concern. With four defeats in their last five home games, their fortress has been anything but impenetrable this season.

As things stand, Alavés remain one point adrift of safety with just six matches remaining. Their upcoming schedule presents a daunting challenge, with clashes against Real Sociedad, Atlético Madrid, Athletic Club, Valencia, Real Valladolid, and Osasuna still to come. Securing survival will require a dramatic uptick in form, particularly in front of their home supporters. One potential psychological boost comes from the fact that they already defeated Real Sociedad earlier in the season—a 2-1 triumph in August—and will now be aiming to complete a rare league double over their Basque counterparts. However, given their recent struggles at home and La Real’s strong record in this fixture, achieving that feat will be far from straightforward.

On the other side of the divide, Real Sociedad arrive in Vitoria-Gasteiz with ambitions of their own. Currently sitting in ninth place, they are just one point behind eighth-placed Mallorca and two adrift of seventh, a position that would guarantee Europa League football next season. Having established themselves as consistent European contenders in recent years, La Real are determined to maintain their impressive streak, which has seen them finish in the top seven in each of the last five campaigns.

Their form in recent weeks has been patchy but not disastrous. With twelve wins, six draws, and fourteen defeats across 32 matches, they remain within touching distance of the European places. Over their last five league outings, they have avoided defeat four times, though their most recent performances have raised some concerns. A disappointing 2-0 home loss to Mallorca was followed by a dramatic 2-2 draw against Villarreal, a match in which they were arguably fortunate to escape with a point.

In that encounter, captain Mikel Oyarzabal showcased his importance to the team with a well-taken brace, putting La Real in a commanding 2-1 lead. However, Villarreal fought back through Ayoze Pérez’s equalizer, and the Yellow Submarine thought they had won the game on three separate occasions, only for VAR to controversially disallow each of their late strikes. While the result extended Real Sociedad’s unbeaten away run to three matches (one win, two draws), it also highlighted some defensive vulnerabilities that Alavés may look to exploit.

Historically, Real Sociedad have enjoyed a strong record at Mendizorroza, remaining unbeaten in their last three visits (one win, two draws). Last season, they left with a narrow 1-0 victory, and manager Imanol Alguacil will be hoping for a similar outcome this time around. With key players like Oyarzabal in fine form and the team still within reach of a European berth, motivation will be high. However, they cannot afford to underestimate an Alavés side fighting for their lives, particularly in a derby where emotions often override form.

Tactically, this match presents an intriguing battle. Alavés, likely to adopt a compact and defensive approach, will rely on quick transitions and set-pieces to trouble their opponents. Kike García, their top scorer, will be crucial in holding up play and bringing others into the attack. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad, known for their possession-based style under Alguacil, will look to dominate midfield and create chances through intricate build-up play. The duel between Oyarzabal and Alavés’ backline could prove decisive, as could the performance of La Real’s midfield enforcers in stifling counterattacks.

Beyond the immediate implications for league standings, this fixture carries added weight due to the regional rivalry between the two clubs. Derbies in the Basque Country are always fiercely contested, and with both teams in need of points for vastly different reasons, the intensity is sure to be amplified. For Alavés, victory could provide a lifeline in their survival bid, while Real Sociedad know that dropping points here could severely dent their European aspirations.

As the clock ticks down toward kickoff, the pressure is palpable. Will Alavés defy the odds and reignite their survival hopes with a statement win? Or will Real Sociedad’s superior quality and experience shine through, keeping their European dreams alive? The answers will unfold under the floodlights of Mendizorroza in what promises to be a gripping encounter.