valencia vs alavés takes on extra weight this Sunday (ET) as the two clubs meet at the Estadio de Mestalla with only a narrow gap separating them in the La Liga standings.
Valencia come into the weekend in 15th place with 29 points from 26 matches, while Alavés sit 16th with 27 points from 26 matches. With the sides close together in both points and position, the fixture lands as a direct test of momentum in a relegation battle that remains unsettled.
What happens when Valencia Vs Alavés becomes a head-to-head relegation test?
Valencia will be aiming to make it successive wins in Spain’s top flight after a 1-0 victory over Osasuna. The same match is also presented as their most recent outing heading into matchweek 27, reinforcing the sense that their immediate priority is turning single-match success into a run that creates breathing room in the table.
Alavés arrive after a 2-0 defeat against Levante and have recently appointed Quique Sánchez Flores as head coach, following Eduardo Coudet’s departure to take charge of River Plate. That coaching change frames this trip as an early measuring stick for the visitors’ response, with the club positioned just outside the relegation places but still under pressure.
The recent head-to-head picture is tight. The last meeting between the teams ended 0-0, and their reverse fixture earlier this season is also described as goalless. Their most recent match at Mestalla, in December 2024, ended 2-2.
What if recent form and home-away trends decide the margins?
Valencia’s home results have been steadier than their overall table position suggests: they have taken 20 points from 13 home league matches this season, with only three defeats in that run. Valencia are also described as having scored in three consecutive games, while having two losses in the last nine games at home.
Alavés’ away picture is more fragile. They have struggled on their travels, winning twice and collecting eight points from 13 away matches in league play. Additional trend notes underline the challenge: Alavés have conceded goals in six consecutive away games and have gone two consecutive away matches without a win. They also have one draw in the last 12 away games.
Overall, Alavés have gone five consecutive games without a win and have conceded goals in eight consecutive games, while also having one win in the last six games. Against that, the longer head-to-head trend offers the visitors confidence: Alavés have won four of their last six matches against Valencia and are unbeaten in that span, with Valencia winning only one of their last 10 matches against Alavés.
What happens when team news, injuries, and suspensions shape the lineups?
Valencia are set to be without Mouctar Diakhaby, Dimitri Foulquier, Copete, and Julen Agirrezabala for Sunday’s league contest, while Lucas Beltran is listed as a major doubt. The expectation presented is that head coach Carlos Corberán could name the same side that started against Osasuna.
Valencia’s most recent lineup is listed as: Stole Dimitrievski, Thierry Correia, Eray Cömert, Unai Núñez, José Gayà, Largie Ramazani, Guido Rodríguez, Javi Guerra, Luis Rioja, Filip Ugrinic, Umar Sadiq. In attack, Hugo Duro and Arnaut Danjuma are described as options for change, but Umar Sadiq is expected to keep his starting role, with Javi Guerra likely to keep his spot in the final third.
For Alavés, Ville Koski is closing in on a return, but the match is likely to come too soon for the defender. Koski is described as the only injury concern, but suspensions will remove Pablo Ibáñez and Victor Parada from the squad.
Alavés’ most recent lineup is listed as: Antonio Sivera, Jonny Otto, Nahuel Tenaglia, Jon Pacheco, Victor Parada, Ángel Pérez, Pablo Ibáñez, Antonio Blanco, Carles Aleñà, Toni Martínez, Lucas Boyé. With Ibáñez and Parada suspended, Alavés will be forced into changes from that group for the trip to Mestalla.
Coaching history notes also set context for the touchline dynamic: Quique Flores has faced Valencia on 13 occasions, recording two wins, three draws, and eight losses, while Carlos Corberán has faced Alavés twice, recording a draw and a loss.
