Can the Basque derby at Mendizorrotza truly deliver the drama and tactical intricacies expected of a La Liga clash, or will it be a predictable affair? The clash between Deportivo Alavs and Real Sociedad, on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025, promises a fascinating battle, steeped in history and fueled by the aspirations of two Basque teams, despite the absence of key players.
The anticipation surrounding the encounter is palpable. The match, set to commence at 21:30 at the Estadio de Mendizorroza, pits a Deportivo Alavs side, fighting for survival in the relegation battle, against a Real Sociedad team seeking to secure a spot in European competition, even though the season hasnt reached the heights of previous campaigns for the latter. This La Liga fixture, marking matchweek 33, presents an opportunity for both teams to make a statement. Real Sociedad will be without several key players, as they face fourteen absences due to both international commitments and injuries.
Before diving deeper, let's analyze the history of the competition between the two teams:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 39 |
| Alaves Wins | 14 |
| Real Sociedad Wins | 15 |
| Draws | 10 |
| Average Goals Per Match | 2.38 |
| Alaves Average Goals Scored (Season) | 1.07 |
The recent form paints a picture of contrasting fortunes. Real Sociedad has secured 3 wins in their last 6 league fixtures, while Deportivo Alavs comes into the match with 3 draws in their last 6 matches across all competitions. Alavs's recent record on the road is particularly concerning, having lost 3 of their last 5 games away from home and 11 of their last 20.
The last encounter between the two teams on March 31, 2024, at the Estadio de Mendizorroza saw Deportivo Alavs triumph over Real Sociedad with a score of 1-0. Although the match results will be available after 120 minutes, the score is 2:1 (0:1) if it is decided by a penalty shootout. Furthermore, Pedro Rostoll, the assistant to Luis Garca, who was unable to lead the team in the pre-season test at El Prao, opted for Sivera in goal, supported by a defensive line featuring Egoitz on the right, Eneko on the left, and Tenaglia and Abqar as the central defensive pairing.
The game at Mendizorroza on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025, marks a crucial point in both teams' seasons. For Alavs, the stakes are high. Currently lying in 18th position with 31 points, they are battling to avoid relegation, and a win against Real Sociedad is essential to boost their survival chances. Real Sociedad, on the other hand, is aiming for a higher position in the La Liga standings. Despite falling short of the brilliance of their earlier campaigns, the team, under the guidance of Imanol Alguacil, still has a chance to secure a spot in either the Conference League or even the Europa League.
Sports analysts have been providing previews and predictions. Based on detailed statistical analysis and other factors, the consensus seems to be a low-scoring game, with both teams potentially failing to score, and a likely win for Real Sociedad. The absence of key players for Real Sociedad could impact their performance.
Real Sociedad is also dealing with several absences, including injuries and international call-ups, which may affect their team composition. During the match, Real Sociedad made a triple substitution, with Turrientes, Olasagasti, and Pablo Marn replacing Brais Mndez, Zubeldia, and Sergio Gmez.
The Real Sociedad fan base, energized by the "Realzale" program, also eagerly anticipates the match. The program aims to deliver more energy and engagement for the supporters.
Throughout the match, the intensity remained high, marked by tactical adjustments and individual efforts. In the closing stages, the tension was palpable, and a yellow card was shown to Jon Martn of Real Sociedad for a foul in the 90'+7' minute. The final score of the match was Real Sociedad 1, Alavs 2, a thrilling result that will be remembered by both sets of fans.
The match underscores the unpredictable nature of football, particularly in a derby. The home side's resilience, despite the odds, and Real Sociedad's struggles in certain areas, shaped the outcome.
With the match ending, both teams reflect on their performance and prepare for their subsequent fixtures. The outcome of this match has a direct impact on the standings and sets the tone for the remaining matches in the La Liga season.
