Alavés 2 — 4 Athletic Club

LaLiga · 34. Matchday · Matchday 34

Deportivo AlavésDA

#12

24

AB

#16Athletic Bilbao

FT

The story

AAthletic Bilbao delivered a ruthless 4-2 statement at Mendizorroza, leaving DDeportivo Alavés' survival hopes hanging by a thread. The visitors' attacking quartet, spearheaded by Guruzeta and Williams, proved too clinical for a porous DDeportivo Alavés defense that has now leaked goals in four consecutive matches. Despite Lucas Boyé's efforts to keep his side competitive, the gulf in quality told the story - Athletic's 83-rated Nico Williams against DDeportivo Alavés' patchwork midfield options. For DDeportivo Alavés, this represents a catastrophic home defeat with only three games to salvage their top-flight status. The 17th-placed side remain stuck on 36 points, their LWLDD form suggesting a team desperately searching for consistency when it matters most. For Athletic, this victory snaps their losing streak and reminds LaLiga of their attacking potency ahead of the season's closing stretch.

Key moments

01Athletic's attacking prowess overwhelmed Alavés early, establishing a commanding lead that the home side never recovered from
02Gorka Guruzeta continued his prolific season, his 13th goal proving decisive in the outcome
03Lucas Boyé's contributions kept Alavés briefly in contention, but the defensive frailty (-13 goal difference now looking worse) ultimately cost them
04Nico Williams' 83-rated performance showcased why he's Athletic's key creative outlet, driving the victory

Tactical read

The mismatch in midfield quality proved decisive - Athletic's Jauregizar and Turrientes dominated centrally against Alavés' aging Denis Suárez and inconsistent Unai Gómez. Athletic exploited the flanks effectively through Williams, while Alavés' over-reliance on Boyé for goals left them exposed when chasing the game. Luis García's side showed why they've taken just 4 points from their last 5 matches, lacking the defensive organization needed for a relegation scrap.