Overview
Alaves can draw positive signals from Real Madrid's performance, when they only lost narrowly 1-2 to Alvaro Arbeloa's team. However, their 15th defeat in La Liga this season pushed them into the relegation group in the crucial stage.
Previously, the blue and white team had a 4-match unbeaten streak, including a 2-2 draw with Osasuna at home. The final schedule of the Quique Sanchez Flores team is considered easier when they will successively face Elche, Real Oviedo and Rayo Vallecano - opponents in the bottom group of the table.
Alaves also has home advantage when winning 21 points after 15 matches. Last season, they defeated Mallorca 1-0 in the second leg. However, Mallorca is aiming to win both legs this season, after winning 1-0 in the first leg in September 2025.
Martin Demichelis's team is improving their form with 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in the last 5 rounds, thereby rising to 14th place in the rankings.
Since a 4-match losing streak at the end of February, Mallorca has won 11 points after 6 matches, but is still only 2 points ahead of the relegation group - a very slim gap.
Currently, they are only 3 points behind 11th place, showing that the standings situation is still extremely unpredictable. However, Mallorca's biggest weakness lies away from home, when they have only won 6 points after 15 matches - the second worst record in the league, only ahead of Elche.
In the past, Mallorca was slightly better in head-to-head situations with 21 wins, 11 defeats and 9 draws against Alaves. The upcoming clash therefore means "6 points" in the relegation race, where both teams no longer have many opportunities to make mistakes.
Personnel situation
Alaves needs to check the condition of Carlos Protesoni, who is having muscle problems. However, the 28-year-old midfielder is almost the only concern about the home team's force at the moment.
Alaves' squad will be significantly strengthened with the return of Abde Rebbach after suspension. This player is likely to start on the wing, bringing more attacking options.
In attack, the duo Lucas Boye and Toni Martinez have scored a total of 20 goals in La Liga this season, and continue to be the biggest hope of the Mendizorrotza home team.
On the other side, Mallorca entered the match with a long injury list. Players like Jan Salas, Mateo Joseph, Antonio Raillo and Lucas Bergstrom are all definitely absent.
In addition, the away team must also wait for a late fitness assessment with Zito Luvumbo and Marash Kumbulla before deciding their ability to play.
In that context, the burden of scoring goals continues to fall on Vedat Muriqi's shoulders. This striker is having an explosive season with 21 goals in La Liga and will definitely lead Mallorca's attack.
With the difference in force, Alaves has a certain advantage, but Muriqi's form can still make a difference in a vital match in the relegation race.
Expected lineup:
Alaves: Sivera, Tenaglia, Jonny, Parada, Perez, Blanco, Ibanez, Rebbach, Guridi, Martinez, Boye.
Roman, Maffeo, Valjent, Mascarell, Mojica, Darder, Costa, Morlanes, Torre, Muriqi, Virgili.
The match between Alaves and Mallorca takes place at 7:00 PM on April 25 (Vietnam time).
