Match Information
Match Overview
Levante and Alaves meet at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia in this Regular Season Matchday 26 fixture, with both teams fighting for crucial points in different battles within La Liga. This mid-season encounter takes on added significance as Levante finds themselves in 19th position with just 18 points, desperately needing victories to climb out of the relegation zone, while Alaves sits in 14th place with 27 points, seeking to create more distance from the bottom three.
The injury situation could prove decisive in this encounter, with Levante facing several key absences that may impact their tactical setup. K. Arriaga is suspended due to a red card, removing a crucial midfield presence, while R. Brugue and P. Martinez are sidelined with knee injuries. Most concerning for the hosts is the questionable status of striker I. Romero due to an eye injury, potentially forcing Luis Castro to reshape his attacking approach. U. Elgezabal's knee problem also leaves defensive depth concerns. For Alaves, the situation is less problematic with only M. Diaz missing due to a coach's decision and V. Koski questionable with a knee injury.
The recent form patterns suggest contrasting trajectories, with Levante's struggles evident in their disappointing home record of just one win in twelve matches this season. Their defensive frailties have been exposed repeatedly, conceding 44 goals in 25 matches. Alaves arrives with modest away form but greater stability, having secured seven wins from 25 games overall. Eduardo Coudet's side has shown resilience in crucial moments, particularly in their recent Cup run before elimination. The head-to-head history slightly favors the visitors, with their 2-1 victory earlier this season providing psychological confidence for this return fixture.
Predicted Lineups
Levante
M. Ryan; J. Toljan, Dela, A. Matturro, M. Sanchez; Oriol Rey, V. Garcia; J. A. Olasagasti, C. Alvarez, Pablo Martinez; I. Romero
Alaves
A. Sivera; Jonny Otto, N. Tenaglia, V. Parada, Yusi; A. Perez, P. Ibanez, A. Blanco, C. Alena; T. Martinez, L. Boye
Team Form Analysis
Levante
Levante Form Analysis
Levante's recent form has been deeply concerning, highlighting the struggles that have left them anchored in the relegation zone. Their last five outings paint a picture of defensive vulnerability, conceding three goals to Barcelona, losing 1-0 at home to Villarreal, and suffering a 2-0 defeat to Valencia. While they managed to secure a thrilling 4-2 victory over Athletic Club away from home and earned a creditable 0-0 draw against Atletico Madrid at their own ground, these positive results have been overshadowed by consistent defensive lapses.
The attacking output has been inconsistent, with Ivan Romero leading the line but lacking consistent service from midfield. Their home record has been particularly disappointing, with just one victory in twelve matches at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia this season. The team has struggled to convert territorial dominance into clear-cut chances, often relying on individual moments of brilliance rather than cohesive team play. Luis Castro's tactical approach has shown glimpses of promise, particularly in their organized defensive display against Atletico Madrid, but the overall trajectory suggests a team lacking the killer instinct required to climb away from danger. The squad's confidence appears fragile, with late goals conceded becoming a recurring theme that has cost valuable points in their relegation battle.
Alaves
Alaves Form Analysis
Alaves has displayed mixed form in recent weeks, characterized by moments of resilience interspersed with disappointing defeats. Their most recent fixture saw them salvage a 2-2 draw with Girona at home, demonstrating their fighting spirit when trailing. However, this followed a frustrating 1-1 draw with Sevilla away and a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Getafe, highlighting inconsistencies that have prevented them from climbing higher up the table.
Eduardo Coudet's side has shown tactical flexibility, particularly in their 4-4-2 formation that allows for quick transitions between defense and attack. The partnership of Toni Martinez and Lucas Boye up front has provided a physical presence, while Carles Alena's creativity in midfield has been crucial in their better performances. Their away form has been modest but workmanlike, with the team showing greater organization on the road than their overall league position might suggest.
The defensive structure has been reasonably solid, though they've struggled to maintain clean sheets consistently. Pablo Ibanez and Antonio Blanco have formed a reliable midfield base, but the team often lacks the cutting edge in the final third to turn draws into victories. Their recent Cup run before elimination to Real Sociedad showed their capability to compete against quality opposition, suggesting the squad possesses more ability than their current league standing indicates. The key for Alaves lies in finding consistency and converting their organized approach into more regular three-point hauls.
Head-to-Head
Levante
Alaves
Recent Meetings
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-16 | Alaves | 2 - 1 | Levante |
| 2024-07-27 | Levante | 1 - 1 | Alaves |
| 2023-06-17 | Levante | 0 - 1 | Alaves |
| 2023-06-11 | Alaves | 0 - 0 | Levante |
| 2023-04-29 | Levante | 2 - 0 | Alaves |
| 2022-12-12 | Alaves | 0 - 2 | Levante |
| 2022-05-15 | Levante | 3 - 1 | Alaves |
| 2021-11-06 | Alaves | 2 - 1 | Levante |
| 2021-08-06 | Levante | 0 - 1 | Alaves |
| 2021-05-08 | Alaves | 2 - 2 | Levante |
Memorable Matches
The recent history between these teams has produced several compelling encounters, with their most significant meeting coming in the Segunda Division promotion playoffs during the 2022-23 season. Alaves secured a crucial 1-0 victory at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia in the playoff final's second leg, following a goalless draw in the first leg, to earn promotion to La Liga. This result was particularly memorable as it demonstrated Alaves's mental strength in high-pressure situations away from home.
Earlier this season, their reverse fixture produced an entertaining 2-1 victory for Alaves at home, with the visitors showing resilience to claim all three points. The match highlighted the tactical battle between the two sides, with Alaves's greater clinical edge proving decisive. Their previous La Liga encounters have often been tight affairs, including a dramatic 3-1 victory for Levante in May 2022, where the home side's attacking prowess was on full display. These meetings typically feature cagey tactical battles, with both teams showing respect for each other's organizational qualities while searching for moments of individual brilliance to break the deadlock.
Venue Factor
The Estadio Ciudad de Valencia has not provided the fortress-like advantage that Levante desperately needs this season, with their home record being a significant contributor to their relegation struggles. With just one victory in twelve home matches, the venue has become a source of frustration rather than inspiration for the hosts. The atmosphere, while passionate, has been increasingly tense as supporters watch their team struggle to convert home advantage into points.
However, the stadium has witnessed some memorable moments this campaign, including the goalless draw with Atletico Madrid that showed Levante's defensive capabilities when properly organized. The pitch dimensions and playing surface typically favor teams that like to play possession-based football, which could suit Levante's preferred style under Luis Castro.
For Alaves, their away record suggests they travel reasonably well, often showing greater tactical discipline on the road. Eduardo Coudet's team has demonstrated an ability to frustrate home crowds and capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities. The reduced pressure of playing away from home might actually benefit Alaves, allowing them to play with more freedom and expression. Their recent victory at this venue in the playoff final will provide psychological confidence, with several players in the current squad having experienced success at the Estadio Ciudad de Valencia when the stakes were highest.
Injury Concerns
Levante
Alaves
