Alavés look to Cup magic as La Liga woes continue
Deportivo Alavés hope Wednesday's Copa del Rey clash with Rayo Vallecano can reignite their season after sliding dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Struggling in the league but dreaming of cup glory, Alavés face a critical midweek fixture that could change the trajectory of their season.
League form in the toilet
Let’s not beat around the bush - Alavés are having a proper mare in La Liga. Despite showing some improvement in their recent performance, Coudet’s men couldn’t nick a point at La Cerámica and find themselves in a bit of bother. Sitting 16th with just 19 points, they’re only two points above the drop zone. The atmosphere around the club has turned proper sour in recent weeks, and you can’t blame the fans for feeling a bit Adam and Eve about their prospects.
Copa salvation?
But wait - here comes the Copa del Rey to potentially save their bacon! Wednesday’s home clash against Rayo Vallecano represents more than just another cup tie - it’s a chance to breathe new life into a faltering campaign.
The Basque side have already dispatched CD Getxo, Portugalete and most impressively Sevilla in this cup run. Now they’re just one win away from reaching the quarter-finals - something they haven’t managed since the 2017-18 season when Abelardo’s team were knocked out by Valencia on penalties after matching them over two legs.
Mendizorroza memories
The Copa holds a special place in Vitoria hearts. The competition has always resonated with the Mendizorroza faithful, who haven’t forgotten their magical run to the final under Mauricio Pellegrino just a year before that quarter-final exit to Valencia. Only Barcelona stood between them and silverware on that occasion.
While talk of another final appearance might be premature, there’s genuine belief that a cup run could reinvigorate both team and supporters alike. With home advantage and the likelihood of Coudet fielding a strong XI (despite doubts over Lucas Boyé’s fitness), Alavés have every reason to fancy their chances.
One thing’s certain - with precious little to celebrate over the past couple of months, knocking out Rayo would provide a massive boost and potentially be the turning point in what’s becoming a season to forget.