Alavés vs Athletic Club: Head-to-Head Stats, Match Analysis

The clash between Alavés vs Athletic Club is one of the most exciting and closely contested matchups in Spanish football. They share a strong football background, dedicated groups of supporters and have often fought each other in tough games. Deportivo Alavés has not always had as many chances to shine as Athletic Club, but their supporters are especially proud of their home games at Mendizorrotza.

Our discussion will cover how their rivalry began, look at their current achievements and explain the statistics involved. You can either hope for Basque giants to win or Alavés to achieve something surprising, but this match never disappoints with action and surprises.

Three Important Points:

• Both Alavés and Athletic Club are located in the Basque region.
• La Liga has been a more successful league for Athletic Club than for Real Madrid.
• Head-to-head contests between these teams usually have few goals but are highly charged.

Alavés and Athletic Club have a long history—what is it?

Alavés vs. Athletic Club games have created an interesting story throughout Spanish football. Because both clubs are from the Basque region, their games have their own local derby appeal. The struggle between sides in this region gives both sets of fans more energy and excitement. Athletic Club from Bilbao has long been involved in La Liga and follows a tradition of putting only players from the Basque region on the field. Based in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alavés’s ups and downs include a fair amount of promotions and relegations.

The sides have competed against each other for years, having first met in La Liga decades ago and later in cup matches and friendlies. Although Athletic Club leads with most wins, Alavés has managed to stun the audience, especially at home. These fights are famous for soldiers defending strongly, fighting physically and having excellent tactics.

A table summarizing the teams’ statistics in each match is provided below:

Note: The competition goes beyond the standings; it’s mainly pride that’s at stake, since both teams come from the region.

Present H2H results for Alavés and Athletic Club.

So far this La Liga season, the form of the two teams has not been the same. Athletic Club is having a solid season and continues to compete for a shot at European play. Since they stick to defense and count on players such as Iñaki Williams and Oihan Sancet, they have picked up many points. Meanwhile, Alavés has been in a fight to keep its spot in La Liga. They have not been very consistent, yet they have played really well against tough teams. Most of their strategy includes speedy changes, strong defense and making the most of set-pieces. Energetic and youthful players are the focus for the coach, so the team plays a fast-paced style.

2024/25 season (Matchday 30) comparison table.

Remember: Alavés prefers playing at home, whereas Athletic Club plays strongest when away, raising the tempo with quick counterattacks.

Who Has Made a Difference in These Match Ups?

Every rivalry has standout players who leave their mark, and in the case of Alavés vs Athletic Club, several names come to mind. When it comes to Athletic Club, Iñaki Williams is constantly a worry due to his fleet feet. His talent for working opposition defenders and scoring when needed has been a consistent problem for Alavés. Iker Muniain’s imagination greatly helps when we want to get past a stubborn defense.

Many important goals were scored by players in Alavés such as Joselu (when he was under contract). Right now, Luis Rioja and Rubén Duarte are main contributors to how Alavés play. With Rioja moving fast past them and Duarte securing the defense, I think the team is able to face tough opponents.

Most of their past games have had little scoring because they defend strong and choose to avoid loss instead of betting it all. Even so, in these close matches, the best athletes are often able to alter the outcome.

Examples:

• Last year, Iñaki Williams scored a late winner to give Athletic a 1-0 victory.
• Rioja’s goal in 2021 was enough for Alavés to pull off a 1-0 victory over Valencia at home.

How Do Both Teams Set Up for This Game?

Tactically, Alavés vs Athletic Club is often a strategic chess match rather than an open, high-scoring affair. Osasuna plays with either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 to ensure the team is wide and can press from the start. The team’s full-backs get forward and having the ball is a key responsibility for the midfielders. Defenders Yeray Álvarez and Dani Vivian add more power to Athletic Club by being a threat during aerial challenges.

On the other hand, Alavés usually starts in the safe 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, trying to close defenses in the midfield and score from counterattacks. Because of their low block defense, they try to block pressure, then look for chances through long balls or actions on the wing. Having strong defense and quick exchanges after turnovers often gets the most attention from the coach.

You may find that each team ends up with under 50% possession several times, because the game swings throughout its duration. Strategic battles draw the interest of those who like thinking about their moves more than watching fancy play.

What Makes This Match Important in La Liga?

It matters for reasons greater than the points at stake. Because both teams are part of the Basque region, their matches are usually considered with great importance. They focus on pride, the dominance of the region and rivalries carried throughout history. They show their love for the teams by singing, attending with flags and creating a lively atmosphere.

Playing in games like these helps Alavés display their skills against one of the most successful teams in Spanish football, Athletic Club. For Athletic Club, the match gives them a way to prove their strength and stay in the fight for a European place. These matches play an important role in supporting a team’s mood and progress.

This event surpasses a match; it represents the Basque spirit and celebration of football to fans. Winning this game encourages the team, but a loss makes everyone involved worry about it. Because the match carries so much passion, it becomes a major event in the league.

Conclusion

The Alavés vs Athletic Club rivalry is more than just numbers—it’s about heritage, pride, and thrilling football. Whether the game decides the league or is between middle-ranking teams, you can always count on it to be full of drama and wonderful moments. Athletic Club has an edge from its history, but Alavés always gives a good game, so every encounter is open for surprises.

With La Liga and teams getting stronger over time, this Basque derby will likely continue to delight and fascinate soccer supporters of every age.

FAQ’s

1. Alavés and Athletic Club have crossed paths how many times in La Liga?

In the Spanish league, La Liga, the teams have played one another 28 times and Athletic Club has won 14, Alavés 6 and 8 games ended in a tie.

2. What is the usual scoreline in Alavés vs Athletic Club games?

Most times, the game ends with a score of 1-0 or 1-1 since both teams are mainly focused on defense.

3. Who has the most goals in this occasion?

Williams scored a lot for Athletic Club and so did Joselu for Alavés.

4. Why is this rivalry something unique?

Both of these teams come from the Basque region, so their games reflect the region’s culture and crowd the game’s intensity.

5. Which midfield formations do the teams like the most?

Athletic Club usually paper, while Alavés opts for the more defensive 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1.