“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.” This sentiment echoes through the stands of Mendizorroza Stadium as the clock ticks down to an important clash on May 2, 2026.
Currently, Alavés sits precariously at 16th in the La Liga table, just two points above the relegation zone occupied by Sevilla. Their recent victory against Mallorca—an uplifting 2-1 win—has injected some much-needed confidence into the squad managed by Quique Sanchez Flores. In stark contrast, Athletic Club languishes in 10th, three points adrift of the European spots that seem tantalizingly close yet frustratingly out of reach.
The backdrop of this Basque derby is steeped in history. Of their last 52 meetings, Alavés has managed to secure victory just nine times against their rivals from Bilbao. Athletic’s dominance has been particularly evident in recent years; they remain unbeaten away at Alavés since October 2020. The stakes could not be higher for both teams as they navigate this critical juncture in their seasons.
Key statistics:
- Alavés have picked up 24 points from 16 home matches this season.
- Athletic lost their last match against Atlético Madrid, succumbing to a 3-2 defeat.
- Alavés has lost only one of their last six matches, showcasing a resurgence in form.
The significance of this match extends beyond mere points; it’s about pride and survival. For Alavés, every game is a battle against relegation—a fate that looms ominously over them. Meanwhile, Athletic seeks redemption after a season that has not lived up to expectations under Ernesto Valverde’s leadership.
The atmosphere on match day is expected to be electric, with fans from both sides filling the stadium with chants and colors that reflect their unwavering loyalty. As one supporter aptly put it, “This derby means everything; it’s more than just a game.” The passion surrounding this rivalry adds another layer of intensity to an already high-stakes encounter.
The next few weeks will be pivotal for both teams as they navigate through the final stretch of La Liga fixtures. For Alavés, following this match are encounters with formidable opponents like Elche and Barcelona—each game will carry immense weight in their fight for survival.
