The ninth round of LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26 concludes at the Mendizorroza Stadium, where Deportivo Alavés and Valencia CF will face off in a crucial encounter. Both sides are eager to collect three points to climb the table and distance themselves from the lower positions. Historically, this fixture has leaned towards Valencia, but recent meetings tell a different story, with Alavés dominating the head-to-head record in recent years.

Deportivo Alavés: Current Form and Key Insights

Deportivo Alavés approach this match in solid form after a convincing 3-1 victory over Elche on October 5. That result lifted them to 10th place in the LaLiga standings with 11 points from 3 wins, 2 draws, and 3 defeats. Under coach Eduardo Coudet, the Basque side have shown a balanced approach, averaging 1.1 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per match this season.

At home, Mendizorroza has been a difficult ground for visiting teams. Alavés have drawn at half-time in seven of their last eight home matches, showing a tendency to start cautiously before growing into games. Their attack, led by Lucas Boyé, Abde Rebbach, and Calebe, has been efficient, while their defense remains compact and disciplined. The team’s consistency is also reflected in their scoring record — Over 0.5 goals have been scored in 39 of their last 40 matches, a sign of their attacking reliability.

In head-to-head terms, Alavés have been dominant against Valencia in recent seasons. They are unbeaten in their last five meetings, winning four and drawing one, with an average of 1.4 goals scored and only 0.6 conceded per game. Their last encounter at Mendizorroza ended in a 1-0 home win on May 14, 2025. These numbers underline their confidence heading into this fixture, especially with home support behind them.

Valencia CF: Current Form and Key Insights

Valencia CF arrive in Vitoria after a frustrating 2-1 defeat to Girona on October 4. Despite playing well and creating chances, Carlos Corberán’s men were punished for their lack of finishing. The result leaves them in 16th place with 8 points from 2 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses. Their season so far has been inconsistent, with an average of 1.3 goals scored and 1.8 conceded per game.

Defensively, Valencia have struggled, conceding at least one goal in each of their last 13 away matches in all competitions. They have also lost at half-time in 8 of their last 13 away fixtures, suggesting a recurring issue with slow starts. However, their attack remains capable of producing moments of quality thanks to players like Pepelu, Arnaut Danjuma, and Lucas Beltrán, who will be key to breaking down Alavés’s organized defense.

Valencia’s away form has been a concern for some time. They have not won at Mendizorroza since the 2017–18 season, and their recent performances suggest that ending that drought will be a difficult task. The team’s offensive potential is often undermined by defensive lapses, and with confidence low after a series of poor results, Corberán’s side will need a disciplined performance to avoid another setback.

Deportivo Alavés vs Valencia: Tactical Overview and Prediction

This matchup brings together two teams with contrasting dynamics. Alavés are strong at home and tactically compact, while Valencia are struggling to find balance between attack and defense. The Basques will likely rely on quick transitions and set pieces, areas where they have been particularly effective this season. Valencia, on the other hand, will aim to control possession and exploit spaces through Danjuma’s pace and Beltrán’s movement.

Given the recent head-to-head record and current form, Alavés appear to have the upper hand. Their defensive organization and efficiency in front of goal make them a tough opponent, especially at Mendizorroza. Valencia’s defensive fragility and poor away record could once again prove costly. However, the visitors’ attacking talent ensures that this will not be a straightforward contest, and a close, low-scoring match is expected.

Historically, this fixture has not produced many goals, and both teams’ recent trends point towards a cautious approach. Alavés’s home matches often start tight, while Valencia’s away games have consistently featured Under 1.5 goals at half-time. Therefore, fans can expect a tactical battle rather than an open, high-scoring affair.

Deportivo Alavés vs Valencia prediction by BetMines:
The most likely outcome is a Deportivo Alavés win (1) with a 45% probability. The Draw (X) follows at 29%, while a Valencia win (2) stands at 26%.