Defensive Woes Plague Alavés
Deportivo Alavés is currently navigating a significant defensive challenge as they prepare for their next La Liga encounter. The team has been hit by the injury of Ville Koski, who sustained a right quadriceps injury while on international duty with Finland and has since returned to Vitoria for treatment [1]. This absence forces coach Quique Sánchez Flores to reconfigure his central defense. Nahuel Tenaglia is expected to step into a central defensive role, while Nicolas Valentini and Jonny Otto are also considered candidates to fill the void [1]. There are also rumors that Protesoni might be called upon for defensive duties if necessary, and Yusi could be brought into the squad to provide depth given the current absences [1]. These adjustments highlight the depth of the defensive issues facing Alavés, which could prove critical against a strong opponent like Atlético Madrid.
Sánchez Flores Recovers While Team Seeks Form
Adding to the team’s challenges, coach Quique Sánchez Flores recently underwent knee surgery [2]. Despite this, he is recovering favorably and is expected to be able to direct the upcoming match against Atlético de Madrid [2]. His presence on the sidelines will be crucial as Alavés looks to reverse a recent downturn in form. The team has recorded two defeats and one draw in their last three matches, indicating a struggle to maintain consistency [2]. This dip in performance comes at a challenging time, with key defensive players unavailable. Meanwhile, in unrelated news, Mariano Díaz, a prominent figure for the Dominican Republic national team, was involved in a fan interaction after a 1-4 loss to Haiti in the Nations League, engaging with supporters despite the defeat [3].
What it means
Deportivo Alavés currently sits in 6th position in La Liga with 11 points from 7 matches, a strong start to the season that includes 3 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. They have scored 11 goals and conceded 6. However, their recent form shows a concerning trend, with their last three results being a 0-0 draw against Athletic Club, a 0-1 loss to Valencia CF, and a 1-2 loss to Real Racing Club de Santander. This indicates a significant drop-off from earlier victories such as the 5-2 win against CA Osasuna and the 1-0 win over Villarreal CF. The upcoming fixture against Atlético Madrid on October 10th presents a formidable challenge. Given their current defensive issues and recent struggles to secure points, this match will be a true test of Alavés’ resilience and ability to adapt. A positive result would be vital to regain momentum and solidify their position in the upper half of the table, while a defeat could see them slide down as the season progresses.
