Mendi Derby: Local Rivals Aim to Extend Their Winning Streaks
Alavés host Osasuna at Mendizorrotza on Sunday in a game with clear stakes. Alavés need points to widen the gap from the relegation zone. Elche sits two points behind them. Osasuna aim to remain in the fight for European places.
Promoted as the Mendi Derby: Local Rivals Aim to Extend Their Winning Streaks, the fixture promises a charged atmosphere. Mendizorrotza is expected to be near full capacity. The club will also pay tribute to its women’s side before kickoff.
Team news
Alavés coach Quique Sánchez Flores has a few selection problems. Lucas Boyé is doubtful with plantar fasciitis. The likely front pairing would be Toni Martínez and Ibrahim Diabaté.
- Protesoni remains sidelined through injury.
- Facundo Garcés is unavailable due to a FIFA suspension.
- Denis Suárez misses out because of accumulated yellow cards.
Osasuna arrive with more breathing room. They have 37 points and are close to securing safety.
Tactical outlook
Quique stressed the need for improved defending against wide crosses. He warned his players about Osasuna’s aerial threat. Ante Budimir scored twice in the 3-0 win at El Sadar in the first round.
Keeping a clean sheet is a priority for Alavés. The coach also praised his team’s capacity to create chances and score.
Osasuna perspective
Manager Alessio Lisci urged humility despite recent form. He said the squad must avoid complacency while pursuing higher goals. The team wants to correct last season’s final-day missed opportunity in Gasteiz.
Lisci added that the recent win restored belief. He praised both previous and current coaches for competitive teams.
Women’s team tribute
Alavés will honor the women’s squad after their promotion back to the top division. They return to the highest level three years after relegation. The promoted side will meet opponents such as Real, Athletic, and Eibar.
Filmogaz.com will follow the match build-up and offer post-match analysis. Expect close coverage of tactics, lineups, and key moments.
