As the month of May kicks off, the La Liga action heats up with a crucial matchup between Deportivo Alavés and Atlético Madrid at the Estadio Mendizorroza in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Scheduled for Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 9:00 AM (Brasília time), this clash is not just another game; it’s a battle for survival for Alavés and a chance for Atlético to solidify their position in the top tier of Spanish football.
Currently sitting in 17th place with 34 points, Alavés is just two points clear of the relegation zone. The team has faced a tumultuous season but recently showcased resilience with a vital 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad, which reignited hopes of staying in La Liga. Under the guidance of coach Eduardo Coudet, Alavés aims to build on this momentum and secure a crucial win against a formidable opponent.
On the other hand, Atlético Madrid, positioned third in the league with 66 points, is striving to maintain their spot in the Champions League qualification zone. After a rollercoaster of results, including a recent 3-0 triumph over Rayo Vallecano, the team managed by Diego Simeone is looking to capitalize on their strong squad depth and experience to fend off any challenges posed by Alavés.
Historically, Atlético has the upper hand in their encounters, boasting 18 wins out of 34 matches against Alavés, who have managed to claim victory 11 times, with five matches ending in draws. However, Alavés has shown strength at home, winning nine out of their 17 meetings at Mendizorroza, which adds an intriguing layer to this encounter.
In the last clash between these two teams, Atlético emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, but that was back in 2024. As they prepare for this weekend’s game, both teams are aware of the stakes involved. Alavés needs points to avoid relegation, while Atlético is keen to keep their Champions League aspirations alive, especially with Barcelona leading the pack by ten points.
Recent performances have shown that Atlético can be unpredictable, particularly away from home. They’ve only secured one win in their last six away games, which raises questions about their consistency. In contrast, Alavés has only lost twice in their last eight matches, hinting at a potential resurgence.
Both teams are expected to adopt tactical approaches that reflect their current standings. Coudet is likely to emphasize a solid defensive structure while utilizing quick counter-attacks to exploit any defensive lapses from Atlético. Conversely, Simeone will aim to control the midfield and apply pressure from the start, leveraging players like Jan Oblak in goal and a robust defensive setup featuring Marcos Llorente and Clément Lenglet.
As for the lineups, Alavés is expected to feature Antonio Sivera in goal, supported by Nahuel Tenaglia, Facundo Garcés, and Santiago Mouriño in defense. Kike García, who has netted 12 goals this season, will lead the attack, hoping to find the net against a tough Atlético defense.
Atlético Madrid, on the other hand, will likely see Jan Oblak guarding the net, with a backline including Llorente and Lenglet. The attacking trio may consist of Julián Álvarez, who has been in fine form, and Antoine Griezmann, who could return to the starting XI after being rested in their last match.
Fans can catch the action live on ESPN4 and Disney+, with the match expected to draw significant attention given the implications for both teams. A win for Alavés could further distance them from relegation, while a victory for Atlético would help solidify their Champions League ambitions.
With the stakes high and both teams in need of a win, this match promises to be an exciting affair filled with intensity and drama. As the clock ticks down to kickoff, anticipation builds among fans, eager to see how this crucial encounter unfolds.
In conclusion, the clash between Alavés and Atlético Madrid is set to be a thrilling encounter, with the home side battling for survival and the visitors aiming to secure their place among the league's elite. As the teams take to the pitch, all eyes will be on the action, as every point counts in this critical phase of the season.
