Atlético Madrid vs. Alavés: LaLiga Showdown at the Metropolitano

The Cívitas Metropolitano is set to host a compelling LaLiga EA Sports fixture this Sunday as Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid welcome Deportivo Alavés. With both sides looking to solidify their positions in the league table, this match promises tactical intrigue and high stakes as we move deeper into the 2025/26 campaign.

Atlético's Quest for Consistency Against Stubborn Visitors

Atlético Madrid enters this contest under the familiar pressure of needing consistent results. While Simeone’s side remains a formidable force, recent form has highlighted areas of vulnerability, particularly their tendency to drop points after taking the lead. Astonishingly, Atleti has dropped 16 points from winning positions in LaLiga this season—more than any other team. This statistic will undoubtedly be a major talking point for Simeone as they face an Alavés side known for its resilience.

Simeone’s Selection Decisions

Coach Simeone appears to have settled on a lineup that balances rotation with established core players. A key inclusion is **Almada**, who earns a starting spot amidst reports of his discomfort with limited minutes. This is a vital opportunity for the Argentine to demonstrate his worth, especially with competition like Nico González soon returning. Defensively, **Pubill** has cemented his place as an indispensable centre-back, underlining his fine form.

In midfield, the return of captain **Koke** to the squad is a boost, though the team is actively seeking new energy in the centre of the park, with Mateu Alemany reportedly working on potential reinforcements. Up front, despite a recent dip in form, **Julián Álvarez** retains his spot alongside **Sorloth**, both tasked with rediscovering their scoring touch. Álvarez, in particular, is enduring his worst league run without a goal since April 2024.

Furthermore, American midfielder **Johnny Cardoso** retains his place following a strong showing in the recent victory at Riazor, a performance that highlighted the qualities Simeone sought when signing him from Betis.

Alavés: Resilience and Tactical Surprises

Deportivo Alavés arrives in Madrid following a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano in the Copa del Rey. Their league form, however, shows a team that fights hard; Alavés has only lost three points after going ahead on the scoreboard this season, a mark bettered only by Barcelona (two).

The Confirmed Alavés XI

Coach Eduardo Coudet faces his own selection dilemmas. The confirmed starting XI features a notable surprise: **Guridi** operating behind the main striker, **Toni Martínez**. The established backline sees **Sivera** return in goal, flanked by **Otto** and **Parada** on the wings, with **Tenaglia** partnering **Pacheco** centrally.

The midfield engine room will be marshalled by **Antonio Blanco**, described as the 'Mariscal' (Marshal), alongside **Ibáñez**. **Aleñá** is deployed wide but is expected to drift inside to link up with Guridi, showcasing Coudet’s desire for technical interplay. The absence of the arguably more talented Denis Suárez from the start suggests a focus on sacrifice and defensive solidity over pure flair for this demanding fixture.

Key Statistical Matchups

The tactical battle between the two managers is fascinating. Diego Simeone has an exceptional record against Alavés's coach, Eduardo Coudet, having never lost to him in six LaLiga encounters (3 wins, 3 draws). Simeone’s dominance against Coudet is part of a broader pattern where he rarely struggles against coaches he has faced multiple times without defeat.

The pressure is firmly on Atlético to convert chances against a well-drilled Alavés defence. If Atleti can secure an early lead, history suggests they should manage the game effectively; however, if Alavés can frustrate the home side and keep the score tight, the psychological weight on the Rojiblancos, given their habit of losing leads, could become a decisive factor.

With both teams fielding notable changes and carrying specific statistical narratives—Atlético’s inability to hold leads versus Alavés’s compact structure—this Sunday fixture is shaping up to be a true test of character and tactical execution in the heart of the Spanish capital.