Alaves vs Athletic Club - La Liga

Alaves prepare to host Athletic Club at the home ground on May 2, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their La Liga season. Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery's side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end.

Both Alaves and Athletic Club will be eager to build momentum when they meet in La Liga. Alaves have held their own of late, LL in their last five reflecting a steady win rate of 50%. The visitors have been picking up results steadily, D over their last five with a campaign win rate of 40%. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — Alaves average 1.83 per game to Athletic Club's 1.4, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. It’s safe to say that Paige Bueckers is putting up elite all-around numbers in her second WNBA season for the Dallas Wings, averaging over 20 points and nearly six assists a night.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Alaves will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Athletic Club must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. A month before his death, he was also arrested in Arkansas on charges including possession of a controlled substance.

In fixtures as finely poised as this one, it often comes down to who holds their nerve in the big moments — and both camps have players who relish that responsibility. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Chelsea have confirmed the signing of England midfielder Jordan Henderson.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. A share of the spoils looks the most probable outcome, with neither side holding a decisive edge — a 2-2 draw feels like a fitting result. Whatever the outcome, the La Liga fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.