Relegation-threatened Alavés face injury-hit Betis in crucial Sunday showdown
Coudet's job on the line as Alavés seek escape from drop zone, while Pellegrini's Betis eye fifth spot despite missing key players at Mendizorroza.
Two teams with very different objectives but equally desperate for three points meet at Mendizorroza tonight as struggling Alavés host a Betis side still competing on three fronts.
Crisis point for Coudet
Things are looking proper dicey for Eduardo Coudet’s Alavés. Currently languishing in 18th position with just 19 points, the Basque outfit are in serious relegation trouble. Their recent form tells a horror story:
- Just 4 points from their last possible 28
- 1 draw and 4 defeats in their last 5 league matches
- Coming off a 1-0 defeat at Atlético Madrid
Despite their cup run providing some respite (they’ve reached the Copa del Rey quarter-finals), Coudet’s position looks increasingly precarious. The Argentine gaffer needs a result tonight, or his time at the Mendizorroza might be brown bread.
Betis battling on all fronts
Meanwhile, Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis arrive in Vitoria with considerably more positive vibes. The Andalusians sit 6th in the table on 32 points and are looking up rather than down:
- Fresh off a 2-0 victory against Villarreal at La Cartuja
- Espanyol’s defeat yesterday means 5th place is within reach
- Only one away league defeat all season
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for Los Verdiblancos. Injuries have left Pellegrini without several key players for this tricky away fixture, which could level the playing field somewhat.
Match details
The game kicks off at 21:00 local time tonight (Sunday, January 25, 2026) at Estadio Mendizorroza. For those wanting to catch the action, it’s being broadcast live on DAZN.
Both sides have plenty at stake – Alavés fighting for survival, Betis chasing European football while balancing multiple competitions. Given Alavés’ desperation and Betis’ injury concerns, this could be a proper tasty encounter in the Basque Country.