Alaves host Athletic Bilbao in Basque derby with relegation survival at stake

Key facts

• Alaves are 16th in La Liga, two points ahead of 18th-placed Sevilla.
• Athletic Bilbao are 10th, three points behind sixth-placed Getafe.
• Alaves have 36 points from 33 matches (9 wins, 9 draws, 15 losses).
• Athletic have 41 points from 33 matches (12 wins, 5 draws, 16 losses).
• Alaves won the reverse fixture 1-0 at San Mames earlier this season.
• Athletic have lost five of their last seven league matches.
• Kickoff is Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 12:30 PM EST at Mendizorrotza Stadium.

Lede: Survival and European ambitions collide in Vitoria-Gasteiz

Alaves and Athletic Bilbao meet at Mendizorrotza Stadium on Saturday in a Basque derby loaded with consequence: the hosts are fighting to preserve their La Liga status, while the visitors seek to salvage a European place from a season that has fallen short of expectations. Alaves currently occupy 16th place with 36 points, two clear of 18th-placed Sevilla. Athletic sit 10th with 41 points, three behind Getafe in the final European qualification spot.

Alaves buoyed by vital win over Mallorca

Quique Sanchez Flores' side secured a crucial 2-1 victory against fellow strugglers Mallorca last time out, lifting them out of the relegation zone. The Blue and Whites have lost only one of their last six matches, suggesting a timely upturn in form. Their home record has been a relative strength: 24 points from 16 matches at Mendizorrotza, with just four defeats. However, they have historically struggled against their Basque rivals, winning only nine of 52 meetings across all competitions.

Athletic's season of disappointment

Ernesto Valverde's side entered the campaign with ambitions of repeating last season's fourth-place finish and Champions League qualification. Instead, a record of 12 wins, five draws and 16 defeats has left them in 10th, well off the pace for Europe's top club competition. The Lions have lost five of their last seven league outings, including a 3-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid on April 25. Despite the poor run, they remain within three points of the Conference League spot, keeping their European hopes alive.

Team news and key personnel

Alaves will be without Lucas Boye due to a hamstring injury, while Carlos Protesoni faces a late fitness test. Antonio Sivera is expected to start in goal; the 28-year-old has a save percentage of 68.2% in his career, with 23 clean sheets in 110 starts. For Athletic, Unai Simon will guard the net. The Spain international boasts a 70.0% save rate and 74 shutouts in 233 career starts. Forward Gorka Guruzeta, with 56 goals in 174 starts, leads the line, while Alaves' attacking threat comes from Toni Martinez, who has 49 goals in 113 starts.

Numbers that define the contest

Alaves have scored 38 goals this season and conceded 49, a goal difference of -11. They average 1.09 points per match and have recorded three clean sheets (9.1% of matches). Athletic have 36 goals and 48 conceded, a -12 difference, with six clean sheets (18.2%). Alaves have 80 yellow cards and five reds; Athletic have 72 yellows and seven reds. The hosts have an expected goals (xG) of 18.9 and an expected goals against (xGA) of 19.6, while Athletic's xG is 20.2.

Outlook: A derby that could define both seasons

Alaves face a daunting run-in against Elche, Barcelona, Real Oviedo and Rayo Vallecano, making every point precious. Athletic, meanwhile, know that a win would close the gap to Getafe and keep their European dream alive. Athletic are unbeaten away to Alaves since October 2020, but the hosts won the reverse fixture 1-0 at San Mames earlier this season. With kickoff set for 12:30 PM EST on Saturday, the derby promises intensity befitting its high stakes.

The bottom line

• Alaves are two points above the relegation zone with five matches left.
• Athletic Bilbao have lost five of their last seven league games.
• The reverse fixture ended 1-0 to Alaves at San Mames.
• Athletic are unbeaten away to Alaves since October 2020.
• Both teams have negative goal differences: Alaves -11, Athletic -12.
• European qualification for Athletic is still possible via the Conference League.