Alavés vs Villarreal: A Clash of Contrasting Fortunes Kicks Off Matchday 28 at Mendizorroza
Matchday 28 of LaLiga EA Sports kicks off tonight with a cracking fixture in Vitoria. Deportivo Alavés host Villarreal at Mendizorroza (9:00 PM local time, 2:00 PM Central Mexico), with two teams viewing the season through completely different lenses, but sharing the same urgent need: a win. Quique Sánchez Flores' men need points to pull further away from the relegation scrap, while Marcelino's Yellow Submarine aims to solidify its Champions League spot and keep dreaming of a third-place finish.
The Quique Effect and 'Glorioso's' Need
A new leader has taken the helm at Alavés. Following Eduardo Coudet's departure to River Plate, Quique Sánchez Flores steps in during a critical phase. His debut at Mestalla was bittersweet: the team competed well but saw victory slip away in added time against Valencia. Tonight marks his debut in front of his home fans at Mendizorroza, and the message is clear: turn the stadium into a fortress.
The home side is on a five-game winless run and sits just two points above the relegation zone. Squad issues don't help: Jon Pacheco and Ander Guevara are suspended, with Carlos Protesoni joining the injury list. But if this team has one thing, it's character, and at home, against the big sides, they often dig deep and find a way. They welcome back Víctor Parada and Pablo Ibáñez, who will be key to shoring up the defence.
The Submarine Aims to Keep Making History
On the flip side, Villarreal is flying high. Level on 54 points with Atlético Madrid for third place, Marcelino's side is having a sensational season. The objective is clear: secure that ticket to the next 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 victory in Vitoria came in the 2019-20 season, and since then, it's been nothing but disappointment. For tonight's game, Marcelino gets a boost with Willy Kambwala returning to the squad after nearly eight months out due to injury. It's a massive morale boost for the defence, although Logan Costa, Juan Foyth, and left-sided player Ayoze Pérez remain unavailable.
Key Battles: What to Watch Out For
- The Mendizorroza Factor: Alavés will lean heavily on their supporters. They're typically a much more formidable side at home, and with Quique's arrival, expect a well-organised, physical block lining up in a clear 5-3-2, looking to hit on the break.
- Yellow Firepower: Going forward, Villarreal are a serious threat. With 50 goals scored, the duo of Nicolas Pépé and Mikautadze is one of the league's most feared. Give them space, and they'll punish you.
- Second Balls: With both defences depleted (Alavés missing starting centre-backs, Villarreal with several absentees), the game is likely to be stretched. The team that wins the second balls and brings more intensity will come out on top.
- Recent Form: Although Villarreal won the reverse fixture 3-1 earlier in the season, Alavés secured a 1-0 home victory last season. 'Glorioso' knows how to grind out results and win at their stadium.
Prediction and Where to Watch in Mexico
Here's my take: this has the makings of a game with little fluid football but plenty of tension. Villarreal have the stronger squad on paper, but Mendizorroza will be a cauldron, and Quique Flores knows how to set up a gritty, hard-to-beat team. If Alavés can weather the first 20 minutes without conceding, things could get interesting. I'm leaning towards a 1-2 away win, but a draw that leaves both sides feeling a bit short-changed wouldn't surprise me either.
For the fans 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 duel of contrasting needs where the first to blink, loses.