Deportivo Alaves: A Battle for Survival in La Liga

As April drew to a close in 2025, the air around Mendizorrotza was thick with tension and the smell of freshly cut grass. Deportivo Alaves, a team steeped in rich history and fervent support, found themselves embroiled in a desperate struggle to avoid relegation from La Liga. Under the guidance of head coach Eduardo Coudet, the Basque side sought to navigate the treacherous waters of Spain's top flight with resilience and determination.

The journey had been anything but easy. Earlier in April, Alaves managed to secure a crucial 1-0 victory away at Girona, a result that avenged a previous home defeat by the same slender margin. This triumph, only their third under Coudet's stewardship, was a beacon of hope in an otherwise turbulent campaign. Yet, the shadows of inconsistency loomed large, with the team failing to find the back of the net in four of their last five home encounters. A recent 0-1 home defeat to the might of Real Madrid served as a stark reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.

Away from the comforts of Mendizorrotza, Alaves showed glimmers of the tenacity that they so desperately needed. A gritty 1-1 draw against Sevilla was a testament to their fighting spirit. Yet, despite these moments of resilience, the specter of relegation loomed ever closer. As of April 22, Alaves trailed Las Palmas by a solitary point in the standings. Las Palmas, buoyed by their first victory of 2025, had leapfrogged Alaves in the race for survival.

Amidst this backdrop, Alaves found solace in the struggles of their direct relegation rivals. Both Leganes and Girona, ensnared in their own battles, had faltered in recent weeks, offering a glimmer of hope to the Basque side. With no suspensions and only one player, Abdel Abkar, listed as injured, Alaves prepared for their next crucial encounter against Real Sociedad. Their opponents, beset by injuries to key players including Álvaro Odriozola, Nayef Aguerd, and Igor Zubeldia, presented an opportunity that Alaves could ill afford to squander.

In the world of football, where fortunes can change with the swiftness of a well-placed pass, Alaves stood on the precipice of a new chapter. The battle for survival was tense and very much alive, demanding every ounce of grit and resolve from Coudet's squad. As the clock ticked down to their next match, the hearts of Alaves' faithful beat in unison, united in hope and anticipation.