Match Information
Our pre-match preview Written before kick-off — see what we expected from this match
Match Overview
Alaves host Villarreal at Estadio Mendizorrotza on August 28 in Regular Season - 3, a fixture that arrives with both sides still shaping their identity for the campaign. The early-season standings offer a notable subplot: Alaves currently sit second in La Liga, while Villarreal occupy ninth, giving Quique Sanchez Flores's side a chance to underline an encouraging start against opponents managed by Inigo Perez.
Form and results provide the clearest lens for this match. Alaves have drawn once and won once in their opening two league matches, a 1-1 result away at Rayo Vallecano on August 20 followed by a 3-0 home win over Getafe on August 15, suggesting a side building confidence and finding goals at home. Villarreal, by contrast, have drawn both of their league outings so far, 2-2 at Atletico Madrid on August 23 and 2-2 away at Racing Santander on August 16, indicating a team that has been competitive but has yet to convert performances into victories. That contrast between a home win/draw record and a pair of draws sets up an intriguing measure of where each side's early momentum stands.
Squad availability is straightforward for this one, with no injuries reported for either team, meaning both managers should be able to select from full-strength squads. That clean bill of health removes selection uncertainty as a factor and puts the emphasis squarely on tactical approach and current form. Villarreal's recent schedule has also included a Club Friendlies fixture and a Como Cup final appearance on August 1, adding minutes to their squad's legs, though this is schedule context rather than a competitive setback.
With Alaves unbeaten in their league matches so far this season and Villarreal searching for their first win, this Regular Season - 3 clash offers a meaningful early gauge of both teams' trajectories.
Predicted Lineups
Alaves
A. Sivera; A. Perez, N. Tenaglia, V. Koski, Jonny Otto, A. Rebbach; P. Ibanez, A. Blanco; L. Boye, T. Martinez
Villarreal
Luiz Junior; S. Mourino, J. Foyth, R. Veiga, C. Romero; N. Pepe, S. Comesana, P. Gueye, A. Moleiro; A. Perez, G. Mikautadze
Team Form Analysis
Alaves
League Position: 2Alaves Form Analysis
Alaves enter this match unbeaten in their opening two La Liga fixtures of the season, a run that reflects well on their early trajectory under Quique Sanchez Flores. The standout result was a 3-0 home victory over Getafe on August 15, showcasing attacking efficiency and control at Estadio Mendizorrotza, before a 1-1 draw away at Rayo Vallecano on August 20 demonstrated resilience on the road. Across their most recent fixtures, including preseason friendlies, Alaves have shown a capacity to score freely, netting three goals in two separate matches against Getafe and Castellon. Defensively, the side has conceded only in draws rather than defeats, a solid early sign. The quality of opposition has been mixed, ranging from a fellow-promotion-tier Getafe side to a competitive Rayo Vallecano away day, but the consistency of not having lost across their last five outings in all competitions points to a well-organized unit finding its rhythm early in the season.
Villarreal
League Position: 9Villarreal Form Analysis
Villarreal's recent form shows a side yet to find a winning formula in La Liga, having drawn both of their opening league fixtures this season. Their 2-2 result away at Atletico Madrid on August 23 was a demonstration of attacking quality against a strong opponent, as was the earlier 2-2 draw at Racing Santander on August 16. Goals have not been a problem for Villarreal, with four scored across those two league matches, but defensive solidity has been elusive, having conceded in every one of their last five matches across all competitions. Their preseason form included wins over Galatasaray and Levante, but also a 3-1 defeat to Lens in the Como Cup final on August 1. Under Inigo Perez, Villarreal appear capable going forward but have work to do to turn competitive performances into results, particularly on the road where both league points so far have come from draws rather than wins.
Head-to-Head
Alaves
Villarreal
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-13 | Alaves | 1 - 1 | Villarreal |
| 2026-01-10 | Villarreal | 3 - 1 | Alaves |
| 2025-03-08 | Alaves | 1 - 0 | Villarreal |
| 2024-11-09 | Villarreal | 3 - 0 | Alaves |
| 2024-02-10 | Alaves | 1 - 1 | Villarreal |
| 2023-10-22 | Villarreal | 1 - 1 | Alaves |
| 2022-04-30 | Alaves | 2 - 1 | Villarreal |
| 2021-12-21 | Villarreal | 5 - 2 | Alaves |
| 2021-04-21 | Alaves | 2 - 1 | Villarreal |
| 2020-09-30 | Villarreal | 3 - 1 | Alaves |
Memorable Matches
The history between these two sides has produced some high-scoring and dramatic encounters. On December 21, 2021, Villarreal ran out 5-2 winners in a match that showcased their attacking firepower at its peak. More recently, the two sides shared a 1-1 draw on March 13, 2026, continuing a pattern of closely contested meetings. Villarreal's 3-1 win on January 10, 2026 also stands out as a statement victory, while Alaves have had their own moments of success, including a 1-0 win on March 8, 2025, and a 2-1 victory on April 30, 2022, proving neither side has dominated this fixture outright over the years.
Venue Factor
Estadio Mendizorrotza provides Alaves with a familiar and supportive backdrop for this Regular Season - 3 fixture. The venue has already been the stage for one of Alaves's stronger performances this season, the 3-0 win over Getafe on August 15, suggesting the home surface and crowd can play a meaningful role in their attacking output. For Villarreal, this represents a test of their travel form, having so far picked up draws at Atletico Madrid and Racing Santander away from home this season. The atmosphere at Mendizorrotza, known for its tight, compact stands close to the pitch, can be a factor in high-intensity league matches, and Villarreal will need to replicate the resilience shown in their away draws to avoid their first defeat of the campaign.
Injury Concerns
Alaves
Villarreal
