Alavés vs Celta: Overview

Match Preview

As Deportivo Alavés faces RC Celta de Vigo at Estadio de Mendizorroza for a crucial Primera Division encounter, both teams are looking to improve their standing in the league table. Currently, Celta de Vigo sits at 13th, slightly above Deportivo Alavés, who are struggling at 17th. This matchup holds significant weight, especially for Alavés, who need to distance themselves from the relegation zone. The conditions at the Estadio de Mendizorroza can offer a challenging atmosphere, known for its passionate local support, which Alavés will hope to use to their advantage. Despite both teams having no injury concerns, form and tactical execution will be vital as they clash on January 27, 2025, at 8:00 PM.

Team Analysis

Deportivo Alavés

Deportivo Alavés heads into this fixture after a run of inconsistent performances that sees them hovering just above the relegation zone. Their recent outings have been a mixed bag, striving to capitalize on home advantage. Key figures like Kike García and Jon Guridi will be crucial in breaking down defenses. Under Eduardo Coudet's guidance, known for an aggressive tactical outlook, Alavés will look to press fiercely and exploit any defensive lapses from their opponents.

RC Celta de Vigo

RC Celta de Vigo has had a slightly better season, resting at 13th on the table. With Claudio Giráldez at the helm, Celta have employed a style of play that focuses on possession and structured build-ups. Players like Borja Iglesias and Fran Beltrán will have essential roles in maintaining team tempo and seizing opportunities. While not plagued by injuries, Celta’s focus will be on consistency and offensive efficiency to climb further up the table.

Manager Insights

Before this pivotal match, Eduardo Coudet of Deportivo Alavés emphasized the importance of capitalizing on home advantage, stating, "We have to play as protagonists and turn the Mendizorroza into a fortress." On the other side, Claudio Giráldez from Celta de Vigo remarked, "Our goal is to stay disciplined and control the game with our possession. Every match is a step closer to our season ambitions."

Historical Data

Historically, encounters between Deportivo Alavés and RC Celta de Vigo have been closely contested. The last few seasons have seen both teams spar equally, with neither establishing clear dominance. Goals have often been hard-fought and decisive. While Alavés hold a marginally better home record, Celta has managed to snatch victories away through tactical discipline and set pieces.

Current Season

This season shows Celta de Vigo with a modestly better form guide, having secured more points from draws and key victories. Important goal contributions have come from Borja Iglesias, while Alavés has leaned heavily on Kike García in crucial moments. Assists have been spread across Celta’s midfield, indicative of their collective approach, whereas Alavés relies on occasional individual brilliance.

Recent Form

Deportivo Alavés’ last five matches reflect a struggle to find consistent form, with sporadic flashes of quality play. They have managed only a single victory, with several draws, highlighting a need for improved finishing. Meanwhile, Celta de Vigo has shown steadier form with two wins, a couple of draws, and a narrow loss, indicating a more coherent strategy but vulnerability at times against counter-attacks.

Historical Matchups

The historical head-to-head between Alavés and Celta shows a pattern of intense, competitive fixtures often decided by a single goal margin. Notable past matches have emphasized the grit and determination typical of these contests. Players like Kike García and Borja Iglesias have been focal points, influencing outcomes through goals or pivotal plays.

Current Season Context

Analyzing the current season, both teams have shown distinct styles—Celta's preference for holding possession and slow build-up against Alavés’ direct and high-pressure approach. The midfield battle will be crucial, with the likes of Ander Guevara and Fran Beltrán set to clash in a bid to control the tempo. This tactical contest will likely determine which team can impose its style effectively and emerge victorious.

Current Positions

As it stands, RC Celta de Vigo occupies the 13th position, staying clear of immediate danger but not within reach of challenging for higher honors. Deportivo Alavés finds themselves perilously close to the drop zone at 17th, making this matchup potentially decisive in altering their league trajectory. Both teams are keenly aware of the need to amass points, with Alavés needing wins to create a buffer from bottom positions and Celta aiming to consolidate a mid-table spot.