On Saturday, February 22, football fans will witness a pivotal clash in La Liga as Alavés hosts Espanyol at the Estadio de Mendizorroza at 14:00 CET. This match, part of Matchday 25, holds great significance for both teams entrenched in the battle against relegation.
Alavés, currently languishing at 19th place with 22 points, is desperate for points. The team is precariously close to the relegation zone and has not won at home since November 1, making it 112 days without victory at Mendizorroza. Coach Eduardo Coudet is feeling the pressure after his side's recent 3-3 draw against Leganés, which showcased both the team's resilience and their defensive vulnerabilities.
"It’s now or never for us at home," Coudet stated, reflecting the urgency of the situation for his players. Alavés' last win came on January 18, when they ended Real Betis' run with a 3-1 victory. Since then, the lack of success at home has raised alarms among fans and management alike.
Meanwhile, Espanyol finds itself just above the relegation danger at 15th place, holding 24 points. Their season has been marred by issues, including a transfer ban limiting squad upgrades. Head Coach Manolo González has acknowledged the difficulties of playing away, with the team still searching for their first away victory this season. Despite their weak road performances, the team managed to hold Athletic Bilbao to a 1-1 draw recently, and they celebrated a surprising win against Real Madrid earlier this season.
"We need to turn around our away record. It’s time to start showing what we can do, especially today against Alavés," González asserted, emphasizing the concentration needed to tackle this must-win match.
Historically, Espanyol has struggled to make their mark at Mendizorroza, winning only once there since 2016. The last away victory for Espanyol occurred on June 9 of the previous year, making the pressure to win palpable.
Tactically, both teams are expected to come out with aggressive attacking strategies. Alavés is likely to line up with goalkeeper Sivera, supported by Tenaglia, Abqar, Diarra, and Manu Sánchez at the back. The midfield will be orchestrated by Blanco and Jordán, with Vicente and Guridi poised to support Kike García upfront.
Espanyol, on the opposite end, will field Joan García as their keeper supported by El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, and Romero on defense. Their midfield, featuring Lozano and González, will aim to feed the attacking trio of Carreras, Král, and Puado.
With both teams facing their own trials, this match presents an opportunity for one to gain precious points and create some breathing room above the relegation zone. Fans will be hoping for fireworks as both sides are likely to showcase attacking play to secure the win.
The stakes are clearly high. Alavés needs to make Mendizorroza a fortress again, and Espanyol needs to shake off the label of being the worst away team, especially against direct rivals. This will be more than just three points; it is about survival.
The tension is palpable, and the drama surrounding this La Liga encounter is set to keep fans on the edge of their seats as both teams vie for the all-important victory.