Alaves host Athletic Bilbao in Basque derby with European and relegation stakes high

Key facts

• Alaves are 16th in La Liga, two points above the relegation zone.
• Athletic Bilbao are 10th with 41 points, three points behind sixth-placed Getafe.
• Athletic have lost five of their last seven league matches, including a 3-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid.
• Alaves won the reverse fixture 1-0 at San Mames earlier this season.
• Athletic are unbeaten away to Alaves since October 2020.
• Alaves have 24 points from 16 home matches this season.
• Antonio Sivera and Unai Simon are the expected starting goalkeepers.
• The match kicks off at 12:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 2, 2026.

A Basque duel with contrasting ambitions

Alaves welcome Athletic Bilbao to Mendizorrotza Stadium on Saturday in a La Liga clash that pits a side fighting for survival against one chasing a late push for European football. The hosts sit 16th in the table, two points clear of the relegation zone, while the visitors occupy 10th place, three points adrift of sixth-placed Getafe and a potential Conference League berth. For Alaves, every point is precious as they navigate a treacherous run-in that includes fixtures against Barcelona and Real Oviedo. A 2-1 victory over fellow strugglers Mallorca last time out lifted them out of the drop zone, but with only two points separating them from 18th-placed Sevilla, the margin for error is razor-thin. Athletic, meanwhile, have endured a disappointing campaign after finishing fourth last season and qualifying for the Champions League. A record of 12 wins, five draws and 16 defeats from 33 matches has left them well off the pace for Europe's top competitions, but a Conference League spot remains within reach if they can close the three-point gap to Getafe.

Alaves' home resilience meets Athletic's recent struggles

Alaves have built their survival bid on solid home form, collecting 24 points from 16 matches at Mendizorrotza Stadium and losing only four times there this season. Quique Sanchez Flores' side have lost just one of their last six overall, suggesting a timely upturn in form. Athletic, by contrast, have lost five of their last seven league outings, including a 3-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid on April 25. In that match, Aitor Paredes gave the Lions an early lead before Antoine Griezmann equalized and Alexander Sørloth struck twice to put the game beyond reach; Gorka Guruzeta pulled one back deep into stoppage time but could not prevent the loss. Despite their recent slump, Athletic hold a strong record in this fixture. They are unbeaten away to Alaves since October 2020, and the corresponding match last season ended 1-1. However, Alaves won the reverse fixture at San Mames earlier this campaign, a result that will give them confidence.

Key personnel and injury concerns

Alaves will be without Lucas Boye due to a hamstring injury, while midfielder Carlos Protesoni faces a late fitness test to determine his availability. Athletic are expected to field their strongest lineup, with Unai Simon in goal and Gorka Guruzeta leading the attack. Simon has been a reliable presence for Athletic, posting a career save percentage of 70.0% and a shutout rate of 32.0% over 233 starts. His counterpart, Antonio Sivera, has a save percentage of 68.2% and 23 clean sheets in 110 career appearances. Up front, Alaves will look to Toni Martinez, who has scored 49 goals and provided 11 assists in his career, averaging 0.42 goals per 90 minutes. For Athletic, Guruzeta has 56 goals and 17 assists in 174 starts, with an average of 0.35 goals per 90 minutes.

Numbers that define the season

Alaves have scored 38 goals and conceded 49 this season, a goal difference of -11. They average 1.09 points per match and have recorded three clean sheets, a rate of 9.1%. Their expected goals (xG) stand at 18.9, while expected goals against (xGA) are 19.6. Athletic have 36 goals and 48 conceded, a goal difference of -12. They average 1.2 points per match and have kept six clean sheets, a rate of 18.2%. Their xG is 20.2, and they have accumulated 23 assists and seven red cards this season. Discipline has been an issue for both sides: Alaves have 80 yellow cards and five reds, while Athletic have 72 yellows and seven reds.

What lies ahead for both clubs

Alaves face a daunting run of fixtures after Saturday, with matches against Elche, Barcelona, Real Oviedo and Rayo Vallecano. Their fate remains firmly in their own hands, but the margin for error is minimal. Athletic, meanwhile, will hope to build momentum for a late European push. A Conference League spot would salvage something from a season that has fallen short of expectations, but they must first overcome their recent poor form and navigate a competitive field. The outcome of Saturday's derby could have significant implications for both teams' seasons, with Alaves seeking to edge closer to safety and Athletic aiming to keep their European hopes alive.

A rivalry renewed under pressure

The Basque derby at Mendizorrotza carries extra weight this season, with both teams facing uncertain futures. Alaves have won just nine of their 52 meetings with Athletic in all competitions, but their victory at San Mames earlier this season showed they can compete with their regional rivals. Athletic's away record against Alaves remains strong, but their recent slide has raised questions about their ability to finish the season strongly. For Alaves, home support and a renewed sense of purpose under Sanchez Flores could prove decisive. Saturday's match is more than a local grudge match; it is a pivotal moment in two very different campaigns, with survival and European ambition on the line.

The bottom line

• Alaves are two points above the relegation zone and need points from a tough run-in.
• Athletic Bilbao have lost five of their last seven league matches but are still in contention for a Conference League place.
• Alaves won the reverse fixture 1-0 at San Mames earlier this season.
• Athletic are unbeaten away to Alaves since October 2020.
• Both teams have negative goal differences: Alaves -11, Athletic -12.
• The match kicks off at 12:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Mendizorrotza Stadium.