Key Highlights
- Atlético de Madrid host Deportivo Alavés in their first league fixture of 2026.
- Diego Simeone is set to rest several regulars ahead of a crucial UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray.
- Alavés find themselves in the relegation zone, having won only one of their last eight league games.
- Athletic Club de Madrid aims for a victory at the Metropolitano to secure vital points and improve their LaLiga standing.
The Match-Up: Atlético de Madrid vs. Deportivo Alavés
Atlético de Madrid prepares to face Deportivo Alavés in a significant match that marks the first home game of 2026 for the Spanish giants. This fixture is crucial as both teams are currently on different trajectories, with Atlético looking to secure their position among LaLiga’s top four and Alavés struggling against relegation.
Atlético de Madrid: Aiming for Consistency
The team from the Spanish capital has been riding high after reaching the Copa del Rey quarterfinals last week. Despite this success, they find themselves in a competitive battle for a spot among LaLiga’s top four teams. With 38 points and sitting in fourth place, Atlético is eyeing a victory at home to gain some breathing room over fifth-place Espanyol, who suffered an unexpected defeat.
Diego Simeone, the team’s manager, has already hinted at making changes for this fixture, as he prepares his squad for a crucial UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray on Wednesday. Key players like Koke and Julián Alvarez are expected to sit out Sunday’s game in favor of younger talents such as Thiago Almada and Johnny Cardoso.
Deportivo Alavés: Struggling Against Relegation
The Basque side, Deportivo Alavés, is facing a precarious situation. With 19 points after 20 games in LaLiga, they are well into the relegation zone and have only managed one win in their last eight league matches. Their recent poor form has put significant pressure on manager Chacho Coudet to turn things around quickly.
Coudet himself acknowledged that his team will need to adapt and be ready for anything during a press conference earlier this week. “They are a team with many top-class players, a big squad, a great coach who has been with them for a long time and uses different systems,” Coudet said. “We will have to adapt as quickly as possible to whatever comes our way.”
The team’s recent poor run away from home is particularly concerning. Their last victory outside their comfort zone came in September, and they are currently one of the most susceptible teams when it comes to away defeats.
Team News and Possible 11
Atlético de Madrid’s squad is also in need of some reinforcements following the departures of Conor Gallagher and Giacomo Raspadori last week. The club’s sporting director, Mateu Alemany, is reportedly working on signing a midfielder and an attacking player to strengthen the lineup for the second half of the season.
For Sunday’s game, Diego Simeone has called up three Atlético Madrileño players: Rayane Belaid, Salvi Esquivel, and Jano Monserrate. The starting lineup is expected to feature Jan Oblak in goal; Marcos Llorente, José Giménez, Raúl García, and Federico Fernández at the back; Johnny, Cristian Rodríguez, and Gianluca Mancini in midfield; Antoine Griezmann up front with Yerry Mina.
This fixture will be a critical test for both teams.
While Atlético de Madrid seeks to capitalize on their recent success, Deportivo Alavés must find a way to end their poor run and avoid the relegation zone. The clash at the Metropolitano promises to be an intriguing encounter in LaLiga.
Atlético de Madrid vs. Deportivo Alavés is set for Sunday afternoon, and all eyes will be on whether the Rojiblancos can secure a much-needed victory to strengthen their position in LaLiga.
