“Alavés are battling for their lives at the bottom, and they are in decent form, so it is difficult to back a struggling Athletic to triumph on Saturday,” said an unnamed analyst ahead of the much-anticipated clash at the Mendizorroza Stadium on May 2, 2026.
As the La Liga season approaches its climax, Alavés sits precariously at 16th place, just two points clear of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Athletic Club finds themselves in 10th position, three points behind Getafe in the race for European qualification. The stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams.
In their last outing, Alavés managed a vital 2-1 victory against Mallorca—an important boost as they strive to maintain their top-flight status. This win was part of a recent trend; they’ve only lost one of their last six matches, showcasing resilience when it matters most.
Conversely, Athletic Club suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Atlético Madrid in their previous match. Coach Ernesto Valverde faces mounting pressure as his team struggles to find form. They have not won away against Alavés since October 2020, and with their current trajectory, fans are becoming increasingly anxious.
Key statistics leading into the match:
- Alavés has secured only nine wins out of 52 meetings with Athletic across all competitions.
- Athletic remains unbeaten at Mendizorroza since late 2020.
- Alavés has accumulated 24 points from their home matches this season.
The last time these two sides met ended with Alavés triumphing 1-0—a result that could provide them with psychological leverage going into this crucial encounter. As Quique Sanchez Flores prepares his squad for battle, he knows that every point counts in this fierce Basque derby.
No matter the outcome, both teams have pivotal fixtures ahead. Alavés will face Elche, Barcelona, Real Oviedo, and Rayo Vallecano in their remaining matches. With relegation looming large, they must harness every ounce of determination to secure their place in La Liga.
