Currently, Alavés sits 16th in the La Liga table, just two points above the relegation zone. Their recent form has shown promise; they secured a vital 2-1 victory against Mallorca in their last outing. In contrast, Athletic Club finds itself in 10th place, three points adrift of the European qualification spots. They come into this match after a narrow 3-2 loss to Atlético Madrid.

The historical context adds another layer to this Basque derby. Alavés has won just nine of their 52 encounters with Athletic across all competitions. Moreover, Athletic remains unbeaten away against Alavés since October 2020 — a streak that adds pressure on the home side. Yet, Alavés has gained strength at home this season, accumulating 24 points from 16 matches.

Key statistics:

• Alavés is currently 16th in La Liga.
• Athletic is positioned 10th.
• Alavés has only lost one of their last six matches.
• Athletic has not won at Mendizorroza since October 2020.

Quique Sanchez Flores knows the stakes are high — every point matters as they inch closer to the end of the season. Meanwhile, Ernesto Valverde’s team must find a way to regain momentum if they hope to challenge for European competition next year. The last meeting between these two ended with Alavés triumphing 1-0 — a result that gives them confidence going into this fixture.

As Alavés prepares for a challenging run-in against teams like Elche and Barcelona after this match, every game becomes crucial. They need points — not just for survival but also for building momentum heading into next season. With both teams having so much on the line, fans can expect an electric atmosphere at Mendizorroza Stadium on Saturday evening.

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