Did you know that Villarreal has outscored Alavés 12-6 in their last five head-to-head encounters? Or that Alavés has only managed five wins in 26 games this season, placing them just one spot above the relegation zone? These aren’t just numbers—they’re a glaring indicator of the disparity between these two teams as they prepare to clash at Mendizorroza on March 8, 2025. While Villarreal eyes a top-four finish, Alavés is fighting for survival. But football is unpredictable, and stats don’t always tell the full story. Let’s dive into the details of this high-stakes LaLiga showdown.
Head-to-Head: A Tale of Villarreal Dominance
The recent history between these two teams paints a clear picture: Villarreal has had the upper hand. In their last five meetings, Villarreal has won twice, drawn twice, and only lost once. The most recent encounter in November 2024 ended in a dominant 3-0 victory for the Yellow Submarine. Alavés’ only win in this stretch came back in April 2022, when they edged Villarreal 2-1 at home.
However, Alavés has shown they can hold their own at Mendizorroza. The last time Villarreal visited this stadium in February 2024, the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Can Alavés replicate that resilience, or will Villarreal’s firepower prove too much to handle?
Form Guide: Two Teams on Opposite Trajectories
Alavés has been in dire straits this season, with just five wins, eight draws, and 13 losses in 26 games. They’ve scored 29 goals but conceded 40, leaving them with a -11 goal difference. Their recent form hasn’t inspired much confidence either, with only one win in their last five matches.
On the other hand, Villarreal has been flying high. With 12 wins, eight draws, and five losses, they’ve racked up 44 points and sit comfortably in fifth place. Their goal difference of +13 reflects their attacking prowess, having scored 48 goals so far. Villarreal’s form has been consistent, with three wins in their last five games.
Season So Far: A Battle of Contrasts
Alavés’ struggles are evident in their league position. Sitting 19th with 23 points, they’re dangerously close to the drop zone. Their defense has been leaky, and their attack hasn’t been able to compensate for it.
Villarreal, meanwhile, is in the hunt for a Champions League spot. With 44 points from 25 games, they’re just a few wins away from breaking into the top four. Their balanced squad, led by top scorers A. Pérez and T. Barry, has been a nightmare for defenses across LaLiga.
Key Stats: Numbers Don’t Lie
- Goals Scored: Alavés 29, Villarreal 48
- Goal Difference: Alavés -11, Villarreal +13
- Assists: Alavés 18, Villarreal 32
- Goals Against: Alavés 40, Villarreal 35
These stats highlight Villarreal’s superiority in both attack and defense. Their 32 assists compared to Alavés’ 18 also show their ability to create chances and share the scoring burden.
Game Odds: Villarreal the Clear Favorite
According to ESPN BET, Villarreal is the heavy favorite with odds of +140 for a win. A draw is priced at +225, while an Alavés victory sits at +200. The total goals market favors under 2.5 goals at -135, indicating expectations of a tight match.
Top Scorers and Playmakers
- Alavés: E. García leads the charge with 11 goals, followed by J. Jordán with 4 and C. Vicente with 3. C. Vicente is also their top assister with four.
- Villarreal: A. Pérez and T. Barry have been the standout performers, with 11 and 8 goals respectively. Á. Baena has been the creative engine with eight assists.
Prediction: Can Alavés Pull Off a Miracle?
While Villarreal’s form and pedigree make them the clear favorites, football is full of surprises. Alavés will need to capitalize on their home advantage and tighten up defensively if they hope to secure any points.
Here’s a breakdown of the prediction:
| Aspect | Alavés | Villarreal |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Struggling | Strong |
| H2H Dominance | Minimal | Significant |
| Goal Threat | Limited | High |
| Defensive Frailty | Present | Solid |
| Likely Outcome | Underdog | Favorite |
Prediction: Villarreal 2-0 Alavés
Final Thoughts
Villarreal’s superior form, squad depth, and head-to-head dominance make them the clear favorites in this match. Alavés, while fighting for survival, will need a miracle to overcome the odds. Football thrives on unpredictability, but this one looks like it’s Villarreal’s to lose. Don’t miss this clash of contrasting ambitions when these two teams take the field on March 8, 2025.