The picturesque medieval town of Laguardia will host a traditional early pre-season clash as Deportivo Alavés take on regional rivals Athletic Club in the 23rd edition of the Laguardia Trophy. This Basque derby, even in a friendly context, promises intensity and serves as a vital warm-up for both La Liga teams. The match is scheduled for today, Tuesday, July 22, 2025, with kick-off at 7:00 PM CEST (8:00 PM EAT in Kenya) at the Óscar de Marcos Stadium (El Prao).
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The Context: Building for a New La Liga Season
Both Alavés and Athletic Club are deep into their pre-season preparations, using these friendlies to build fitness, integrate new tactical ideas, and assess their squads for the upcoming La Liga campaign.
Deportivo Alavés, who finished 15th in La Liga last season, will be looking to consolidate their position in the top flight and potentially climb higher. Under coach Eduardo Coudet (who took over in December 2024), Alavés aims for defensive improvement and tactical flexibility. They've been active in the transfer market, with players like Stoichkov (Eibar), Moussa Diarra (Toulouse), and Hugo Novoa (RB Leipzig) joining the squad. This match at home against a strong Basque rival is an excellent test of their progress and an opportunity to fine-tune their system. Alavés' last competitive match was a 1-1 draw against Osasuna in May, and they've been focusing on their pre-season training since.
Athletic Club, managed by Ernesto Valverde, had a strong 2024-25 season, finishing high enough to qualify for European competition. They are known for their unique philosophy of exclusively fielding Basque players and have a passionate fanbase. This match is their second pre-season fixture, having already secured a 1-0 victory over SD Ponferradina on Saturday. Athletic will be looking to build on their impressive defensive record from last season (they held opponents to zero goals in four of their previous five competitive games). Key players like Nico Williams, who has been in fantastic form, and the core of their squad will be aiming to hit the ground running. Valverde has called up 25 players for this friendly, indicating he will likely rotate heavily to give everyone minutes.
Head-to-Head: A Fiercely Contested Basque Derby
The "Basque derby" between Alavés and Athletic Club is always a fiercely contested affair, even in friendlies. Their recent competitive history reflects this intensity:
Low-scoring affairs: Recent competitive matchups between these two teams have been characterized by low scores and tactical rigidity. Many have finished with fewer than 2.5 goals.
Recent League Form: In their last two La Liga encounters, they played to tight margins. Their last competitive meeting saw Athletic Club secure a narrow 1-0 victory in May 2025, and before that, they drew 1-1 in December 2024.
This history suggests that, even in a friendly, both teams will approach the game with a competitive mindset, making it more than just a training exercise.
Key Players and Tactical Considerations
Both managers will use this friendly to experiment with formations, give minutes to various squad members, and build match fitness.
Alavés will likely focus on defensive organization and pressing, aiming to stifle Athletic's attacking flow. They will look to create opportunities through quick transitions and set pieces. Players like Tomás Conechny and Asier Villalibre, who scored in their previous friendly matches, will be looking to make an impact.
Athletic Club is expected to showcase their high-energy, attacking style, particularly through their dynamic wingers like Nico Williams. They will aim to dominate possession and create chances through intricate passing and aggressive forward runs. Expect to see a strong defensive structure as well, a hallmark of Valverde's teams.
Given it's early in pre-season, frequent substitutions are anticipated as managers look to distribute playing time and manage player loads to prevent injuries.
Where to Watch: Club Channels and Online Platforms
For fans eager to catch this Basque derby, official club channels and regional broadcasters are the primary sources:
Athletic Club's official YouTube channel: Athletic Club has confirmed that the match will be broadcast live on their official YouTube channel. This offers a convenient and accessible option for fans worldwide.
Club websites and regional broadcasters: Check the official websites of both Alavés and Athletic Club, as well as local sports channels in the Basque Country, for additional streaming or broadcast information.
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Confirmed Lineups and Formations: Stay informed with the official starting XIs and tactical setups as soon as they are released, providing crucial insights into each manager's game plan.
Pre-match Previews and Post-match Reports: Read expert analysis, match predictions, and detailed post-game summaries, offering context and analysis of the result.
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The Countdown to Kick-Off
The pre-season friendly between Alavés and Athletic Club is more than just a warm-up; it's an early test of mettle and a chance to reignite a local rivalry. For both teams, it's about building fitness, integrating new ideas, and setting the tone for the upcoming La Liga season. Expect a competitive and tactically focused encounter.
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