Vitoria-Gasteiz, Dec 15 — A cold winter evening in Mendizorroza set the stage for an electrifying Basque derby between Deportivo Alavés and Athletic Club. This matchup, steeped in tradition and passion, was not just a game but a celebration of regional pride. From Eduardo Coudet’s fresh approach with Alavés to Ernesto Valverde’s quest for his 200th victory with Athletic, every moment built anticipation for a thrilling contest.
The Pre-Match Buzz: A City Comes Alive
In the heart of Vitoria-Gasteiz, the derby fever was palpable. Fans of both teams took over the city’s streets, creating a festive atmosphere. The familiar blue and white of Alavés blended with the red and white of the Athletic Club as supporters donned scarves, hats, and even Santa Claus caps to brave the winter chill. Plaza Nueva and Kutxi Street became vibrant hubs where rival chants echoed, fueled by camaraderie and a bit of rivalry.
Bars overflowed with patrons, with many indulging in local delicacies and pintxos to warm up for the big game. For others, the celebration was a time to reconnect with friends and family over hearty meals, preparing for an evening that promised intense football action.
Alavés: A Team in Transition
Under the guidance of Eduardo “Chacho” Coudet, Alavés entered the match seeking a fresh start. It was Coudet’s first derby at Mendizorroza, and he had been vocal about instilling a proactive style of play. “We need time, but the potential is there,” Coudet said earlier in the week. Despite his optimism, the Albiazules faced challenges, particularly with injuries. Key player Protesoni, formerly known as Benavídez, was unavailable, leaving the midfield a bit shorthanded.
However, Alavés came into the game hungry for victory. The team had not beaten Athletic in the league since the 2020-21 season, and the pressure to deliver was immense. Guridi, the midfield maestro, was tasked with anchoring the team’s transitions, providing both defensive stability and offensive creativity.
Starting XI for Alavés:
- Sivera; Tenaglia, Abqar, Mourino, Diarra
- Blanco, Jordan
- Vicente, Carlos Martín, Guridi
- Kike García
Athletic Club: Chasing Records
On the other side, Athletic Club entered Mendizorroza in scintillating form. Valverde, affectionately known as “Txingurri,” stood on the brink of a historic milestone—his 200th victory as Athletic’s manager. The Lions were riding a four-game winning streak in La Liga, a feat they had not achieved in a decade. A win in this derby would extend that streak to five and further solidify their position in the top half of the table.
The squad saw some strategic changes, with Unai Simón making his La Liga debut for the season. Valverde’s lineup showcased depth, with players like Nico Williams and Unai Gómez bringing fresh energy. Adama, a tactical choice on the left wing, replaced Yuri Berchiche, offering a new dynamic to the team’s attack.
Starting XI for Athletic Club:
- Simón; De Marcos, Vivian, Paredes, Adama
- Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar
- Berenguer, Unai Gómez, Nico Williams
- Iñaki Williams
The Game: High Stakes and High Energy
As the match kicked off, the intensity was evident. Alavés started strong, pressing high and looking to control the midfield. The home crowd roared with every tackle and forward pass, energizing the players. Kike García, leading the line for Alavés, had an early chance, but Simón’s reflexes kept the scoreline unchanged.
Athletic, however, gradually found their rhythm. Nico Williams was a constant threat on the wings, using his pace to stretch Alavés’ defence. The first significant breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Ruiz de Galarreta intercepted a loose pass and launched a quick counter-attack. Nico Williams delivered a pinpoint cross to Iñaki Williams, who made no mistake, slotting the ball past Sivera.
The second half saw Alavés pushing harder for an equalizer. True to his reputation, Guridi controlled the midfield battles, creating chances for Vicente and Carlos Martín. Despite their best efforts, Alavés struggled to break through Athletic’s disciplined defence, led by Vivian and Paredes.
In the 65th minute, Athletic doubled their lead. A set-piece routine found Adama unmarked at the far post, and his header found the back of the net. The goal silenced the home crowd momentarily but only fueled Alavés’ determination. They finally pulled one back in the 78th minute through Kike García, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to score a well-placed header.
However, any hopes of a comeback were dashed in the dying minutes. Unai Gómez sealed the win for Athletic with a stunning long-range strike, making it 3-1 and securing Valverde’s 200th victory in style.
Key Moments
- 30th Minute – Iñaki Williams’ Opener: The Athletic capitalized on a defensive error, showcasing their lethal counter-attacking prowess.
- 65th Minute – Adama’s Header: A perfectly executed set-piece extended Athletic’s lead, highlighting Valverde’s tactical acumen.
- 78th Minute – Kike García Strikes: Alavés found a lifeline, but it proved to be too little, too late.
- 88th Minute – Unai Gómez’s Screamer: The young midfielder’s goal was the perfect icing for Athletic’s memorable victory.
Post-Match Reactions
Eduardo Coudet (Alavés Coach): “The result is disappointing, but I’m proud of the effort. We’re building something here, and I see progress in the team’s mentality and style. It’s a process, and we’ll keep working hard.”
Ernesto Valverde (Athletic Coach): “Reaching 200 wins with this club is a special moment for me. The players deserve all the credit for their performance. It was a tough game, but we showed our quality and resilience.”
Iñaki Williams (Athletic Forward): “Scoring in the derby is always special. We’re in great form and want to keep this momentum going. This win is for our fans.”
The Fans: Derby Day Memories
The stands of Mendizorroza were a sea of passion, with both sets of fans singing their hearts out. Despite the rivalry, the spirit of sportsmanship prevailed. After the match, fans from both sides were seen mingling in the city’s bars, discussing the highs and lows of the game over drinks and pintxos. For many, it was a reminder of what makes football unique—the unity it brings, even in competition.
Looking Ahead
Alavés’ focus shifts to their next match as they continue to adapt to Coudet’s philosophy. The road ahead is challenging, but the team has shown flashes of promise that could turn their season around.
Athletic, on the other hand, are flying high. With their fifth consecutive win, they’ve established themselves as serious contenders in La Liga this season. Valverde’s milestone win will boost the team’s confidence as they prepare for their upcoming fixture against Osasuna.
The Basque derby at Mendizorroza was more than just a football match; it celebrated culture, community, and competition. While Athletic emerged victorious, both teams played their part in delivering a memorable evening for fans and neutrals alike. As the winter chill deepens, this fiery derby will remain a warm memory for those who witnessed it.
Tech enthusiast and digital expert, Techo Wise is the driving force behind techowise.com. With years of experience in viral trends and cutting-edge software tools, Techo Wise delivers insightful content that keeps readers updated on the latest in technology, software solutions, and trending digital innovations.
