Real Oviedo vs Alaves: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 17.05.2026
One of the standout fixtures of La Liga's Matchday 37 will take place this Sunday at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium in Oviedo, where already-relegated Real Oviedo host Alaves. Here’s my take on this intriguing showdown: the hosts will be playing for pride and to give Santi Cazorla a proper send-off, while the visitors are still locked in a tense battle for top-flight survival.
Real Oviedo
Real Oviedo couldn’t cement their place in the elite after returning via the Segunda play-offs, and Guillermo Almada’s side have now officially been relegated. In the previous round, the Asturians fell 0-2 to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, but even there they found a moment of emotion — Santi Cazorla came on as a substitute and received a standing ovation, likely in his last appearance at the iconic stadium.
Now, Cazorla is set for his final home match at the Carlos Tartiere, adding a special human drama to the occasion. Oviedo haven't won any of their last three home games, but have avoided defeat in four of their previous five at home, so the hosts have a platform to make things difficult for their pressured opponents.
Alaves
Alaves produced one of the most eye-catching results of the season’s run-in last matchday, defeating the newly-crowned champions Barcelona 1-0. The only goal came from Ibrahim Diabate, as Quique Sanchez Flores’ men took full advantage of Barca’s squad rotation and post-title fatigue after El Clasico.
That victory lifted Alaves to 16th place, but their cushion above the drop zone is just a single point, meaning there’s no room for complacency. The problem is, their away form leaves much to be desired: just one win in their last seven road games, alongside three draws and three defeats. With a crucial clash against Rayo Vallecano still to come, the result in Oviedo could define their entire season.
Probable lineups
- Real Oviedo: Escandel, Vidal, Costas, Calvo, Lopez, Sibo, Colombatto, Chaira, Cazorla, Hassan, Viñas.
- Alaves: Sivera, Perez, Tenaglia, Koski, Parada, Rebbach, Guridi, Blanco, Ibañez, Martinez, Diabate.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Real Oviedo have already been officially relegated from La Liga, but haven’t lost in four of their last five home fixtures.
- Alaves come into this game after a 1-0 win over Barcelona, but have only won once in their last seven away matches.
- Alaves haven’t claimed an official away victory against Oviedo since January 1980.
Prediction
Alaves are, objectively, the team in greater need of points, but the emotional backdrop of this match is complex. Oviedo are already down, yet Cazorla’s final home evening could turn a routine relegation clash into a fiercely motivated display. The visitors will struggle to play with freedom — the stakes are sky-high, and their away form is shaky. Expect a cagey encounter, with Alaves carrying the clearer competitive motivation, but Oviedo’s home crowd and emotional drive could see them snatch a point.
