Alavés vs Valencia Prediction – LaLiga Round 9 Preview, Lineups & Analysis

⚽ Alavés vs Valencia – LaLiga Round 9 Preview

The LaLiga spotlight turns to Estadio Mendizorrotza in Vitoria-Gasteiz on October 20, 2025 (20:00 local time), as Deportivo Alavés host Valencia CF in what promises to be a tactical and emotional encounter. Both teams enter Round 9 with different ambitions — Alavés fighting to stay clear of the relegation zone, while Valencia aim to maintain their push for European qualification.

Under Luis García Plaza, Alavés have shown a competitive spirit but struggled for consistency in 2025. Their home form has been their biggest strength, making Mendizorrotza a difficult venue for visiting teams. Meanwhile, Rubén Baraja’s Valencia have been one of the pleasant surprises of the LaLiga season so far, combining defensive stability with youthful energy and attacking intent.

This matchup between Alavés’ resilience and Valencia’s composure could turn into a tactical chess game decided by fine margins. ⚡🇪🇸

🔵 Alavés – Tough to Beat at Home

Despite their modest position in the table, Alavés have managed to stay competitive in most matches. They enter this fixture after a narrow 1–1 draw against Rayo Vallecano and a hard-fought 0–2 loss to Real Sociedad.

In 2025, Alavés’ home record has been their safety net: they’ve collected 80% of their points at Mendizorrotza. The team thrives on intensity, compact defending, and quick counterattacks, relying heavily on transitions through Luis Rioja and Jon Guridi.

However, their main issue lies in the final third — lack of a consistent goal scorer. Kike García and Samu Omorodion have both struggled to convert chances. Set pieces remain their best attacking weapon, often orchestrated by Rioja’s accurate deliveries.

García Plaza is likely to adopt a pragmatic 4–2–3–1 formation, focusing on discipline and trying to exploit Valencia’s defensive gaps through fast breaks.

🦇 Valencia – Youthful and Dangerous

Valencia CF enter Round 9 as one of LaLiga’s most disciplined and cohesive teams in 2025. Despite financial challenges, coach Rubén Baraja has managed to create a balanced and motivated squad.

The young talents Javi Guerra, Fran Pérez, and Diego López have injected freshness and creativity, while veteran José Gayà leads by example from the back. Valencia’s transition play and defensive organization have made them difficult to break down.

Their recent form speaks volumes: a 2–0 win over Mallorca and a 1–1 draw with Betis. With 11 points from their last six games, Los Che look confident heading into this clash.

In attack, Hugo Duro continues his excellent 2025 run with four goals already, while André Almeida orchestrates the midfield with precision. Expect Baraja’s side to dominate possession and look for spaces behind Alavés’ defensive line.

⚔️ Head-to-Head Record

Alavés and Valencia have a long history of tight and competitive encounters, with Valencia traditionally having the upper hand.

• Last 5 Meetings: Alavés 1 win, Valencia 3 wins, 1 draw

• Most recent meeting (February 2025): Valencia 2–0 Alavés

• At Mendizorrotza: Alavés 1–1 Valencia (September 2024)

• Total Goals in Last 5 Matches: Alavés 4 – 8 Valencia

Historically, Valencia have struggled to dominate at Mendizorrotza — three of their last five visits ended in draws or narrow wins. Alavés’ intense home crowd and physical style make this a tough away fixture for any opponent.

🧩 Predicted Lineups

Alavés (4–2–3–1):

Goalkeeper: Antonio Sivera
Defenders: Andoni Gorosabel, Abdelkabir Abqar, Rafa Marín, Rubén Duarte
Midfielders: Ander Guevara, Antonio Blanco, Jon Guridi
Attackers: Luis Rioja, Xeber Alkain, Samu Omorodion

Valencia (4–3–3):

Goalkeeper: Giorgi Mamardashvili
Defenders: Thierry Correia, Cenk Özkacar, Cristhian Mosquera, José Gayà
Midfielders: Javi Guerra, Pepelu, André Almeida
Forwards: Fran Pérez, Hugo Duro, Diego López

Both coaches are expected to stay loyal to their preferred systems — Alavés compact and reactive, Valencia structured and proactive in possession.

🧠 Tactical Analysis

This game will likely be defined by Valencia’s ball control versus Alavés’ counterattacking discipline.

Alavés’ Game Plan:

• Compact 4–2–3–1 block.

• Quick transitions through Rioja.

• Exploit set-piece opportunities.

Valencia’s Game Plan:

• Control possession with Pepelu and Almeida.

• Overlap full-backs Gayà and Correia for width.

• Press high to disrupt Alavés’ buildup.

The midfield battle between Javi Guerra and Guridi will be crucial. If Valencia manage to break Alavés’ press early, they could dictate tempo and create chances.

However, Alavés’ defensive structure and home support will make them a tough nut to crack. A low-scoring encounter seems the most probable outcome.

🔮 Match Prediction

• Full-Time Score: Alavés 1–1 Valencia

• Both Teams to Score: ✅ Yes

• Over/Under 2.5 Goals: ❌ Under 2.5

• Key Player: Luis Rioja (Alavés)

This match promises to be balanced and tactical. Valencia might control possession, but Alavés’ home advantage and defensive work rate could secure them a valuable point.

🏁 Conclusion

The LaLiga Round 9 clash between Alavés and Valencia at Mendizorrotza has all the ingredients of a tight, hard-fought contest. Alavés will count on their home form and direct play, while Valencia rely on organization and youthful creativity to edge ahead.

Both teams have reasons to fight — Alavés for survival, Valencia for European ambitions — which makes this Monday night battle one to watch.

⭐ Prediction: Alavés 1–1 Valencia – a tactical stalemate where both sides share the spoils.