Coudet Laments Lack of Bite as Alavés Crumble at El Sadar
Alavés boss Eduardo Coudet admits his side weren't aggressive enough in their 3-0 defeat to Osasuna as both sides closed out their 2025 campaigns.
Alavés End 2025 With a Whimper in Pamplona
Eduardo Coudet’s Alavés side were given a proper hiding at El Sadar as Osasuna ran out comfortable 3-0 winners in the final fixture of 2025 for both clubs. The Argentine gaffer was left scratching his head as his typically robust outfit failed to show up when it mattered.
Missed Chances and Defensive Frailties
Coudet pinpointed a crucial turning point in the match, suggesting his side actually had the clearest opportunity before Osasuna took control. That missed chance proved costly, with Ante Budimir producing what Coudet described as a “spectacular finish” to open the scoring for the hosts.
From there, things went from bad to worse for the visitors. The second goal effectively killed the contest, with Alavés struggling to find any rhythm or comfort in their usual playing style. The Babazorros looked well off the pace throughout, failing to generate meaningful attacks despite having plenty of possession.
Defensive Concerns
What will concern Coudet most is how easily his defence was breached. Prior to this match, Alavés had built a reputation for being difficult to break down, making this three-goal hammering all the more surprising.
“We hadn’t conceded three goals,” Coudet noted, clearly disappointed with his backline’s performance. For a team that typically prides itself on defensive solidity, this was a proper mare.
Looking Forward to 2026
Despite the disappointing end to the year, Coudet attempted to maintain some perspective, reminding everyone that Alavés are still in a better position than they were at this stage last season.
The Argentine will be hoping for a fresh start when they kick off 2026 at home with a full squad at his disposal. After this performance, a few players might find themselves on the bench when the new year rolls around.
For now though, it’s back to the drawing board. Alavés lacked aggression and intensity – two qualities that have defined their better performances this season. If they’re going to push on in 2026, they’ll need to rediscover that fighting spirit sharpish.