The Basques will try to stop the favorites again: prediction for Alavés vs Atlético Madrid
The eighth-round La Liga clash between Alavés and Atlético Madrid will take place on October 10, 2026, at Mendizorroza Stadium in Vitoria. The hosts have collected 11 points and sit sixth, while Diego Simeone's side are second, five points behind leaders Barcelona.
Alavés: a strong start and a favorable home scenario
Kike Sánchez Flores' side made a confident start to the season, collecting ten points in their first four matches. Defeats to Racing and Valencia followed, but Alavés managed to steady the ship before the break, playing out a 0-0 draw with Athletic Club.
The hosts' biggest argument is their home record against the upcoming opponents. Alavés are unbeaten against Atlético in their last four La Liga home matches and have won twice during that run. Lucas Boyé has been particularly impressive in attack, already finding the net four times.
Atlético Madrid: the team has hit an impressive stride
Before the international break, the Madrid side secured three consecutive league victories. During that run, Atlético thrashed Real Sociedad 3-0, comfortably beat Osasuna 4-0, and capped the streak with a 2-1 victory over Real Madrid.
Simeone has virtually no serious squad concerns, while Pablo Barrios and Alexander Sørloth have recovered from their injuries. Julián Álvarez is expected to return to the starting lineup, although he has yet to reach his best level this season.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Alavés are unbeaten against Atlético in their last four La Liga home matches.
- The Madrid side have won their last three league matches in a row.
- In January 2026, Atlético defeated Alavés 1-0.
The visitors' run looks more convincing: prediction for Alavés vs Atlético Madrid
Alavés have already shown that they can cause problems for top opponents, especially at home. The team is well organized, rarely loses its shape without the ball, and will look to impose a compact style with minimal space between the lines.
However, Atlético's current form looks too convincing to ignore. After three straight wins, including success in the Madrid derby, Simeone's side head into this encounter with a major confidence boost and greater squad depth.
