Sevilla will be looking to build momentum and secure consecutive victories in La Liga as they continue their 2024-25 campaign with a challenging clash against Deportivo Alavés at the Mendizorrotza Stadium this Friday night. Coming off the back of a vital 1-0 victory over Getafe, Sevilla will be hoping to overcome a tricky Alavés side that currently occupies eighth position in the La Liga standings. Meanwhile, Alavés are eager to bounce back from a narrow 3-2 defeat to Espanyol in their last league outing.
Deportivo Alavés have proven to be a resilient force in La Liga since their promotion from the second division at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season. Their return to Spain's top flight in the 2023-24 campaign was nothing short of impressive, with the Basque club finishing in 10th place, marking their best season since they secured the same position in 2016-17. That campaign not only reestablished Alavés as a competitive side in La Liga but also signaled their intent to stay among the elite.
Under the management of Luis García, Alavés have made a solid start to the current season, collecting seven points from their first five matches. Their record of two wins, one draw, and two defeats has left them in a respectable eighth spot in the La Liga table heading into this Friday night fixture against Sevilla. The Blue and Whites began their campaign with a narrow 2-1 loss to Celta Vigo, but quickly found their rhythm. They earned a valuable point against Real Betis before notching consecutive wins over Real Sociedad and Las Palmas, propelling them to seven points.
However, Alavés will head into this match following a disappointing 3-2 loss to Espanyol. The Catalan side took all three points thanks to a hat-trick from forward Javi Puado, leaving Luis García’s men searching for answers. Despite the setback, Alavés have plenty of reasons to be optimistic. They boast a strong recent record against Sevilla, having won both of their La Liga meetings with the Andalusian side last season. This included a thrilling 4-3 victory on home soil, which saw Alavés assert their dominance against a Sevilla side that has struggled in recent years. In fact, the Basque outfit are unbeaten in their last four top-flight encounters with Los Nervionenses, adding to the pressure on Sevilla ahead of Friday’s showdown.
Alavés' campaign so far has showcased their tenacity and ability to compete against some of La Liga’s stronger sides. The victory over Real Sociedad, a team that has regularly contended for European qualification in recent seasons, was particularly impressive. Alavés also displayed resilience in their win against Las Palmas, with both matches highlighting their attacking potential and solid defensive structure.
The team’s strength lies in its collective effort, but key individuals have emerged to lead the charge. Striker Kike García has been a vital presence up front, providing a focal point for the team's attack. His partnership with winger Luis Rioja, who has the ability to break down defenses with his pace and creativity, has been one of the key features of Alavés’ attacking play this season. At the back, goalkeeper Antonio Sivera has made a number of crucial saves to keep his team in games, while central defender Abdel Abqar has been a standout performer, anchoring the defense and providing leadership at the heart of the backline.
Luis García has instilled a pragmatic approach to the team’s play, focusing on solid defensive foundations while looking to hit opponents on the counterattack. This strategy has worked effectively in their early season matches, and the coach will be hoping it pays off once again when Sevilla come to town. Sevilla, a team traditionally associated with success in both La Liga and European competitions, have endured a difficult period over the last couple of seasons
