Atlético Madrid vs Alavés: Must-Win LaLiga Clash at the Metropolitano as Champions League and Relegation Stakes Rise
Atlético Madrid and Deportivo Alavés face off in a high-pressure LaLiga clash at the Metropolitano, with both sides desperate for points as the season reaches a defining phase.
Atlético de Madrid begin their 2026 home calendar with a must-win match against Alavés, kicking off at 4:15 p.m. CET (10:15 a.m. ET). For Diego Simeone’s team, there is little room for mistakes, while the visitors arrive with even greater urgency as they fight to stay clear of the relegation zone.
The hosts start the round 11 points behind league leaders FC Barcelona and find themselves overtaken by Villarreal, who sit third after ending the first half of the season three points ahead of Atlético with a game still in hand. With the title race all but out of reach, Atlético’s primary focus has shifted to securing Champions League qualification, now their minimum objective.
Even that target could feel underwhelming given the heavy investment made over the past two seasons. Signings that once hinted at a clear long-term project have instead raised questions, particularly in the cases of Giacomo Raspadori, who arrived just four months ago, and Conor Gallagher, signed a season and a half earlier. Their departures, along with those of Javi Galán and Carlos Martín, have left Simeone with a trimmed squad of just 20 senior players and a pressing need for reinforcements during the winter transfer window.
Much will depend on the moves made by sporting director Mateu Alemany, whose recruitment strategy will signal Atlético’s ambitions under the financial backing of Apollo Sports. While no immediate cash boost is expected this winter, the quality of incoming players should offer clues about the club’s direction.
In the meantime, Simeone may need to rely on academy talent, especially with Clément Lenglet ruled out through injury and Nico González still not fully match-fit despite returning to training. With a crucial Champions League fixture against Galatasaray approaching—one that could secure a top-eight finish and avoid an extra knockout round—some rotation is also possible. Players like Giménez, Cardoso, Almada, or Griezmann could be rested, while others such as Pubill, Baena, Koke, and Julián Álvarez may be given a breather. Álvarez, in particular, is currently enduring his longest goal drought since joining the club.
Atlético will take confidence from returning to the Metropolitano, where they have been formidable, winning 11 straight home matches, eight of them in LaLiga. That dominance stands in sharp contrast to their away form, where they have collected just 13 points from a possible 30.
Alavés arrive two points above the relegation line and under growing pressure. Although recent performances suggest improvement, results have yet to reflect that progress. Head coach Eduardo Coudet remains without Facundo Garcés and has opted to leave Nikola Maras, Moussa Diarra, and Mariano Díaz out of the squad.
The visitors are also battling a grim away record, having lost six consecutive matches on the road and managing just one away win all season—a surprise victory at San Mamés against Athletic Club on Matchday 4. History offers little encouragement as well, as Alavés have never won at the Metropolitano.
With survival fears on one side and Champions League ambitions on the other, this encounter sets the stage for a tense and pivotal night in Madrid.
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