Alavés and Espanyol face off this Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM (Brasília time), at the Estadio Mendizorroza, Vitoria-Gasteiz. The match is pivotal for both teams as they battle to stay clear of the relegation zone.
Currently, Alavés occupies the 19th position with 22 points after 24 matches, comprising 5 wins, 7 draws, and 12 losses. Their last outing, which ended in an exhilarating 3-3 draw against Leganés, showcased both their offensive capabilities and defensive vulnerabilities. Alavés has struggled at home, with no wins in their last five fixtures—confrontations which have seen both teams score but rarely exceed two goals total.
Espanyol, slightly above their rivals, is positioned 15th with 24 points from 24 matches as well. Their campaign has included 6 wins, 6 draws, and 12 losses, with notable struggles offensively, managing only 23 goals. Despite their poor goal-scoring form, they’ve recently shown resilience, scoring in five of their last six matches. A recent draw against Athletic Bilbao added to their hopes of escaping the relegation battle, but concerns still loom with Valencia breathing down their necks.
Both teams have faced injury issues—Alavés reports injuries to Carlos Benavides and Tomas Konechny, with player doubts surrounding Jesus Ovono and Hugo Novoa. The Espanyol side will miss the services of goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco, defender Pablo Ramon, and midfielder Jose Gragera.
Rumors swirl around Alavés coach Eduardo Coudet. With the team’s performance dwindling, including just one victory over the last ten matches, this encounter could serve as Coudet's last chance to secure the necessary points to ease relegation fears and retain his position. The team’s consistency has undoubtedly dipped, and poor officiation has influenced their results. Consequently, Alavés filed grievances on officiation quality following their last match, citing unfair penalty awards against them.
On the contrary, Espanyol's Manolo Gonzalez experiences mixed feelings, having traditionally performed well against Alavés at home. Their recent win streak was halted by Real Sociedad after being competitive yet unable to clinch the much-needed victory.
The statistics reveal both teams have not historically lit up the scoreboard against each other. Alavés managed to score only twice against Espanyol during their recent encounters, highlighting the defensive struggles of both sides. The first match this season saw Espanyol come from behind to secure a 3-2 victory against Alavés.
Supporters can view the match via Disney+ Premium, ensuring they do not miss any live action from this thrilling matchup. CNN Esportes will also provide real-time updates, allowing fans to stay informed regardless of their viewing options.
With relegation looming, expect both teams to fight fiercely for the three points. The potential for goals exists, yet both squads will have to refine their defensive strategies to secure the win. Alavés has no dwelling points to spare, facing the pressure of their fans to show resilience on home soil.
Despite the statistical edge closely tied within the traditional rivalry, the outcome remains unpredictable. Will Coudet manage to inspire his players and secure the much-needed win? Or will Gonzalez’s team manage to keep them at bay and extend their distance from relegation?