Alavés vs Sevilla — La Liga 2025/26 Match Preview
Date: Sunday, 21 September 2025
Kick-off: 6:30 PM CET
Venue: Estadio de Mendizorroza, Vitoria-Gasteiz
Competition: La Liga (Matchday 5)
Overview
Deportivo Alavés host Sevilla in a Matchday 5 encounter of the 2025/26 La Liga season.
- Alavés are determined to secure their first big home win of the campaign and build momentum in their fight to stay clear of the relegation battle.
- Sevilla, a team with European ambitions, have had an inconsistent start and will be eager to pick up all three points to move closer to the top half of the table.
Both sides are desperate for a statement result, making this clash a crucial early-season fixture.
Current Form
- Alavés:
Alavés have shown flashes of quality but remain inconsistent, especially in front of goal. Their home form has been decent, and the support at Mendizorroza will be key to boosting their chances against a tougher opponent.- Strengths: Compact defending and strong organization.
- Weaknesses: Lack of creativity and reliance on a few attacking players.
- Sevilla:
Sevilla have endured a shaky start, balancing domestic duties with European competition. Defensive lapses and missed chances have been costly, and they need to tighten up if they want to return to the top-four conversation.- Strengths: Experienced squad with quality in midfield and attack.
- Weaknesses: Vulnerable to counter-attacks and late-game lapses.
Alavés: What to Expect
- Playing at home, Alavés will focus on staying compact defensively while looking to exploit Sevilla on the break.
- Key players:
- Luis Rioja – The creative spark in attack, capable of delivering dangerous crosses and set-pieces.
- Kike García – Veteran striker relied upon for hold-up play and finishing.
- Antonio Blanco – Vital in midfield for breaking up Sevilla’s rhythm and initiating counter-attacks.
- A strong defensive showing will be essential if they hope to secure a positive result.
Sevilla: What to Expect
- Sevilla will dominate possession and push forward aggressively, looking to stretch Alavés through their wingers and overlapping full-backs.
- Key players:
- Youssef En-Nesyri – Main goal-scoring threat with aerial strength and movement in the box.
- Lucas Ocampos – Brings energy and creativity down the wing, capable of unlocking stubborn defenses.
- Nemanja Gudelj – Anchors the midfield, offering defensive balance and ball distribution.
- Sevilla must improve their defensive transitions to avoid being exposed by Alavés’ counters.
Tactical Battle
- Alavés will play cautiously, prioritizing structure and waiting for chances through fast breaks and set-pieces.
- Sevilla will aim to push high up the pitch, using quick passing combinations to break down Alavés’ low block.
- The key duel will be between Sevilla’s attacking pressure and Alavés’ defensive discipline.
Head-to-Head Stats
- Historically, Sevilla have had the upper hand in this fixture, though Alavés are often tough to beat at home.
- Last 5 meetings: Sevilla won 3, Alavés won 1, and 1 draw.
- Their last clash ended in a narrow Sevilla victory, showing how closely matched these games can be.
Prediction
Sevilla have more quality on paper, but Alavés’ home advantage and defensive solidity could make this a tense and low-scoring encounter.
Predicted Scoreline:
- Alavés 1-1 Sevilla
Why This Match Matters
- For Alavés: A point or win here would boost morale and keep them clear of the relegation zone early in the season.
- For Sevilla: Victory is crucial to regain momentum and keep pace with rivals in the European qualification race.
Related Post: https://messaldo.com/match-preview-villarreal-vs-osasuna/