Alavés vs Villarreal Standings 2026: La Liga Guide

Current La Liga Standings: Where Do Alavés and Villarreal Sit?

As of the latest matchday, Villarreal CF sits comfortably in the top half of the La Liga table, currently occupying 5th place with 42 points from 24 matches. Their strong attacking record, led by Gerard Moreno and Alexander Sørloth, has kept them in contention for a Europa League spot. Deportivo Alavés, on the other hand, is fighting to avoid relegation, sitting 17th with just 22 points. The gap in quality is evident, but Alavés has shown resilience at home, making this a tricky fixture for Villarreal. For US fans, understanding the standings is key to appreciating the stakes. Villarreal needs points to solidify their European ambitions, while Alavés is desperate to climb out of the danger zone. This contrast in motivations often produces an intense, unpredictable match. The standings also influence team tactics—Villarreal will likely dominate possession, while Alavés may sit deep and counterattack. If you're following the season closely, keeping track of the standings is essential. Our La Liga guide includes a breakdown of the full table and what each result means for the teams involved.

Head-to-Head: Alavés vs Villarreal History

Historically, Villarreal has dominated this fixture, winning 14 of the last 25 meetings across all competitions. Alavés has managed just 6 wins, with 5 draws. However, recent encounters have been closer—last season, Alavés held Villarreal to a 1-1 draw at Mendizorrotza, and the reverse fixture ended 2-1 to Villarreal. This suggests that while Villarreal is the favorite, Alavés can be stubborn, especially at home. Key moments in this rivalry include a 2020 Copa del Rey clash where Alavés knocked out Villarreal on penalties, and a 2019 La Liga match where Alavés won 2-1. These results show that upsets are possible, adding to the intrigue for US viewers who enjoy underdog stories. For bettors and fantasy players, this history matters. Villarreal’s away form has been inconsistent, while Alavés’ home record is respectable. Expect a tight contest with few goals—over 2.5 goals has occurred in only 40% of their recent meetings.

Key Players to Watch in This Match

For Villarreal, Gerard Moreno remains the focal point of the attack. His movement and finishing ability can unlock any defense, and he’s been in fine form with 8 goals this season. Alongside him, Alexander Sørloth’s physical presence creates space for midfield runners like Dani Parejo, whose passing range is crucial. Defensively, Pau Torres is a rock, though he’s been linked with a summer move away. Alavés will rely on their captain, Luis Rioja, who leads the team with 5 goals and 4 assists. His pace on the counter could trouble Villarreal’s high line. In midfield, Antonio Blanco’s work rate is vital to disrupt Villarreal’s rhythm. Goalkeeper Antonio Sivera has also been impressive, making 3.2 saves per game, which could be key if Alavés sits deep. US fans should also watch for young talents. Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino is a rising star, while Alavés’ Javi López has attracted interest from Premier League clubs. These players add an extra layer of excitement for neutral viewers.

How to Watch Alavés vs Villarreal in the USA

For US fans, the easiest way to watch La Liga matches is through ESPN+ (English) or ESPN Deportes (Spanish). The match is likely to be available on ESPN+ as part of their La Liga package, which costs $10.99/month or $109.99/year. Alternatively, fuboTV offers a free trial and includes ESPN channels, making it a good option for cord-cutters. If you’re traveling or don’t have cable, you can also stream via the ESPN app with a valid login. For those who prefer a more immersive experience, consider a VPN to access international broadcasts, but be aware of blackout restrictions. The match is expected to kick off at 3:00 PM ET, which is a convenient time for US viewers. To make sure you don’t miss any action, set a reminder on your streaming app. Our La Liga guide includes a detailed comparison of streaming services, including pricing and features, to help you choose the best option for your needs.

Match Predictions and What’s at Stake

Given the standings, Villarreal enters as the clear favorite. Most analysts predict a 2-0 or 2-1 win for the Yellow Submarine, but Alavés’ desperation could make it closer. A draw is a real possibility, especially if Alavés parks the bus and relies on set pieces. For US fans, this is a classic 'big vs small' matchup with high drama potential. The implications extend beyond the three points. For Villarreal, a win would keep pressure on 4th place and boost morale ahead of their Europa League campaign. For Alavés, every point is crucial in the relegation battle—they’re only 2 points above the drop zone. A loss could be devastating, while a win would be a massive boost. Tactically, expect Villarreal to dominate possession (60%+), while Alavés will look to exploit set pieces and counterattacks. The match could be decided by a single moment of brilliance or a defensive error. Our prediction: Villarreal wins 2-1, but don’t be surprised if Alavés snatches a point.

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Deportivo Alavés vs Villarreal CF Standings 2026: What US Fans Need to Know

Why it's trending

Key takeaways

Current La Liga Standings: Where Do Alavés and Villarreal Sit?

Head-to-Head: Alavés vs Villarreal History

Key Players to Watch in This Match

How to Watch Alavés vs Villarreal in the USA

Match Predictions and What’s at Stake

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