While Bilbao is reaching for UCL football and is on the cusp of returning to the grandest stage of them all, Alaves is fighting for its survival in La Liga. What we have here, in that case, are two teams on opposite sides of the table, but with much to play for. Expectations here are that both Athletic and Deportivo Alaves put on a good match and give it their all to win.
Athletic Bilbao Team News
Bilbao’s dreams for an Europa League final at San Mames were crushed by Manchester United after a 7-1 aggregate score. The team must now quickly shift their focus to La Liga, where their top 5 finish is far from secure, because Villarreal and Real Betis are hot on their tails. A return to San Mames provides the best chance for Athletic to solidify its UCL claim, as Ernesto Valverde’s team is a force to be reckoned with as hosts. Athletic Bilbao is undefeated in La Liga as hosts since August 2024 and is the 4th-best home-performing team in the league. However, the upcoming game with Alalves might be tricky for Valverde, as some of his key players like the Williams brothers and Oihan Sanset are still doubtful.
Deportivo Alaves Team News
Deportivo Alaves will be entering the game against Bilbao outside of the relegation zone, but dangerously close to it. With the gap being just 3 points, the team will have to do everything in their power to walk away from the San Mames with points. Recent form for Alalves hasn’t been bad per se, with Babazorros suffering just one defeat in their last 5 La Liga fixtures and also being undefeated across their last 3 league outings. On the road, Alaves is also avoiding defeat, as evidenced by their 5-game undefeated streak as guests, although 4 of those games ended in stalemates.
Head-to-Head-Games
Athletic Bilbao has a firm advantage in the H2H with Deportivo Alaves, with Ernesto Valverde’s team being undefeated in their last 7 H2H games with Alaves while also winning 4 of them. As hosts, Bilbao have not lost to Deportivo Alaves since 2005.
| Rank | Teams | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goal difference | Points | Current form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Athletic Bilbao | 38 | 19 | 13 | 6 | 25 | 70 | DWWWL |
| Rank | Teams | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goal difference | Points | Current form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Deportivo Alavés | 38 | 10 | 12 | 16 | -10 | 42 | DLWWD |
Athletic Bilbao – Deportivo Alaves Betting Prediction
Despite some of the injury woes that are in front of Athletic Bilbao, my pick is for a win for theirs here. At home, they are formidable and have turned San Mames into a fortress. Moreover, the team will want to erase the disappointment of the missed opportunity to play an Europa League final at home with a win here. They will also have additional motivation to do so, as their top 5 spot is far from guaranteed, with Villarreal and Real Betis breathing down their necks.
While Deportivo Alaves has performed admirably in recent weeks, I do not think they will manage to walk away with something from this game. Historically, San Mames has been a notoriously tough venue for them to visit, and current circumstances point to another incredibly tough fixture ahead of Alaves.
Betting Tip: Athletic Bilbao To Win
Bookmaker: Stake
Odds: 2.12
Stake
Place your bet on Athletic Bilbao – Deportivo Alaves at Stake