Alavés vs Villarreal: A clash of contrasting needs kicks off Matchday 28 at Mendizorroza
Matchday 28 of LaLiga EA Sports kicks off tonight with a cracking encounter in Vitoria. Deportivo Alavés host Villarreal at Mendizorroza (9:00 PM local time, 2:00 PM Central Mexico) with two completely different perspectives on the season, but sharing one pressing need: to win. Quique Sánchez Flores' men need points to pull away from the relegation zone, while Marcelino's Yellow Submarine are looking to solidify their Champions League spot and keep dreaming of third place.
The Quique effect and El Glorioso's desperate need
A new boss takes the reins at Alavés. Following Eduardo Coudet's departure to River Plate, Quique Sánchez Flores steps in at a critical moment. His debut at Mestalla was bittersweet: the team competed well but let victory slip away in added time against Valencia. Tonight marks his first home game in front of the Mendizorroza faithful, and the message is clear: turn the stadium into a cauldron.
The home side are on a five-game winless run and sit just two points above the drop zone. Injury and suspension woes don't help: Jon Pacheco and Ander Guevara are banned, with Carlos Protesoni joining the list of injured. But if this team has one thing, it's character, and at home against the big sides, they usually roll up their sleeves. They do welcome back Víctor Parada and Pablo Ibáñez, who will be key to shoring up the defence.
The Yellow Submarine want to keep making history
On the flip side, Villarreal are flying high. With 54 points, level with Atlético Madrid in third place, Marcelino's side are having a storming season. The objective is clear: seal that ticket to next season's Champions League as soon as possible. With an 11-point cushion over fifth-placed Betis, the margin is comfortable, but there's no room for complacency in the dressing room.
However, Mendizorroza has historically been a tough nut to crack for the Submarine. Their last win in Vitoria came in the 2019-20 season, and since then, it's been nothing but frustration. For tonight's game, Marcelino gets a boost with Willy Kambwala returning to the squad after almost eight months out injured. It's a massive morale boost for the defence, although Logan Costa, Juan Foyth, and left-footer Ayoze Pérez remain unavailable.
Key battles: What to keep an eye on
- The Mendizorroza factor: Alavés will lean heavily on their home support. They are typically a much fiercer prospect on their own turf, and with Quique at the helm, expect a disciplined, physical block, likely a clear 5-3-2, looking to do damage on the break.
- Yellow firepower: Going forward, Villarreal are a real threat. With 50 goals scored, the duo of Nicolas Pépé and Mikautadze is one of the most feared in the league. Give them space, and they'll punish you.
- Second balls: With both defences depleted (Alavés missing starting centre-backs and Villarreal with key absentees), the game could become stretched. Winning the second balls and showing the greater intensity will likely be the deciding factor.
- Recent form guide: Although Villarreal won the reverse fixture 3-1 earlier in the season, Alavés secured a 1-0 home victory last season. El Glorioso know how to grind out results and win at their stadium.
Prediction and how to watch in Mexico
I'll go out on a limb here: this has the makings of a game with little fluent football but bags of tension. Villarreal have the stronger squad on paper, but Mendizorroza will be rocking, and Quique Flores knows how to set up a side to be awkward and stubborn. If Alavés can withstand the first 20 minutes without conceding, things could get interesting. My gut says a 1-2 away win, but a draw that leaves both feeling slightly short wouldn't surprise me either.
For our audience in Mexico, the match will be broadcast live this Friday from 2:00 PM (Central Time) on Sky Sports and Blue To Go. Get ready for a clash of opposing needs where the first to blink, loses.