Match Pack: Deportivo Alavés vs Athletic Club (LaLiga MD20)

Athletic Club will play Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorrotza on Sunday evening (18:30 CET). The LaLiga Matchday 20 clash will be the Lions’ second derby of the year.

Having already notched up two victories so far this year -against CA Osasuna in LaLiga and Atlético Mancha Real in the Copa- Los Leones will be looking for a second consecutive win in the domestic competition ahead of next week’s showdown with Atlético Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.

Match Info
Deportivo Alavés (Matchday 20)

Mendizorrotza (Vitoria-Gasteiz)

LaLiga Santander 2021/22

Sunday January 9, 18:30 CET

How to Watch

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Team News

Marcelino has named a 21-man squad for the LaLiga Matchday 20 fixture. First-team footballers Unai Simón, Yeray, Unai Vencedor and Oscar de Marcos return after being rested mid-week.

Defenders Yuri Berchiche and Unai Nuñez, as well as striker Asier Villalibre are not available for selection due to their respective injuries.

Marcelino’s Comments

Marcelino, returning to duty after recovering from COVID-19, said he feels the Lions are “confident in what they are doing” and that their accuracy in the final third is now better reflecting their overall form.

Catch up with what the Gaffer had to say at his pre-match press conference.

The Opponents

League position: 18th

Form over last five LaLiga matches: LDLLD

Last match: 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad (H)

Head coach: José Luis Mendilibar

The Basque-born head coach joined Alavés at the end of December, replacing Javi Calleja in the hot seat. Mendilibar, 60, has extensive experience as a manager. His most recent job was a six-year spell at SD Eibar.

Aside from two stints at Eibar, and a short time in the Athletic dugout back in 2005, he’s also led Real Valladolid, CA Osasuna and UD Levante.

Furthermore, Mendilibar grew up an Athletic fan and played for Bilbao Athletic in the late 70s. He also worked at Lezama, holding various positions, such as head coach of Bilbao Athletic and CD Basconia, from 1996 to 2001.

New faces: Jason and Gonzalo Escalante

Alavés have brought in reinforcements during the winter transfer window. They’ve signed winger Jason from Valencia and midfielder Gonzalo Escalante has come in on loan from SS Lazio, reuniting the Argentinian with Mendilibar, his former boss at Eibar.

Previous Meetings
Athletic first visited Mendizorrotza for a Primera Division fixture all the way back in 1930/31. The Lions have played a total of 16 matches in the Basque capital, with the majority of the clashes coming in the 21st century.

The head-to head record reflects the evenly-matched nature of the meetings, with Los Rojiblancos having won eight, drawn three and lost five.

In recent years, Vitoria-Gasteiz has been tough stomping ground for Athletic. The Lions have suffered four defeats and a draw in their last five trips to Mendizorrotza.