Deportivo Alavés

Deportivo Alavés calls Vitoria-Gasteiz home, the capital of the Basque Country's Álava province. The club started life on January 23, 1921 as Sport Friends Club before adopting its current identity. It has grown into a major force in Spanish football and ranks as the third most successful team in the Basque region behind Athletic Club and Real Sociedad.

The squad plays at the Mendizorrotza Stadium, a venue that opened in 1924 and holds roughly 19,840 spectators. Steep stands create an intense atmosphere where visiting teams often struggle to find their rhythm. Fans wear blue and white striped shirts with pride, supporting the club through decades of promotion battles and cup runs.

Recent form shows the team competing strongly in La Liga during the 2026-27 season. A 5–2 victory against CA Osasuna in early September 2026 highlighted their offensive capabilities, while a narrow 1–0 win over Villarreal earlier that month proved their defensive solidity. These results place them among the resilient sides fighting for top-tier status. [edit]

The club reached its highest point in European competition during the 2000-01 season when it advanced to the UEFA Cup Final. Liverpool defeated Alavés 5–4 after extra time in a match decided by a golden goal. This run remains the club's most significant achievement on the continental stage.

Domestically, the team secured a spot in the Copa del Rey final in 2017. Barcelona won the trophy with a 3–1 scoreline, but Alavés earned respect for reaching the showpiece event. The squad has bounced back from relegation multiple times, including notable promotions in 2001, 2016, and 2020 that returned them to the top flight.

Managers have shaped the modern era of the club. Figures like Asier Garitano, Pablo Machín, and José Luis Mendilibar guided the team through critical periods of stability and growth. Their tactical approaches helped build a squad capable of challenging established giants in both league and cup competitions. [edit]