Atletico Madrid Host Alavés in Crucial LaLiga Encounter
MADRID, 18 January 2026 – Diego Simeone’s Atlético Madrid welcome a struggling Deportivo Alavés to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano this afternoon, aiming to strengthen their grip on a Champions League qualification spot. The visitors, perched just above the relegation zone, are desperate for points to ease their survival fears.
League Context & Form Guide
As the 2025/26 season reaches its midpoint, the stakes are clearly defined for both sides. Atlético Madrid sit fourth in LaLiga with 38 points from 19 games, firmly in the European mix but 11 points adrift of leaders Barcelona. Their form has been solid, particularly at home where they are on an eight-match winning streak in the league.
In contrast, Alavés occupy 17th place with 19 points, holding a slender two-point cushion over the bottom three. Their recent league form is concerning, having failed to win any of their last four matches (D1 L3). Their away record this season shows just one victory from nine attempts.
Head-to-Head & Historical Dominance
History heavily favours the hosts in this fixture. Atlético Madrid have won each of their last seven home league games against Alavés, their longest such winning streak against them in top-flight history. The overall head-to-head record stands at 13 wins for Atlético, six draws, and six wins for Alavés since 1998.
The sides last met in August 2025, playing out a 1-1 draw at the Mendizorroza. Giuliano Simeone opened the scoring for Atlético before Carlos Vicente equalised from the penalty spot.
Key Players & Team News
Atlético manager Diego Simeone has heaped praise on veteran forward Antoine Griezmann in the build-up, labelling him a “game-changer” whose “talent never fades.” Griezmann has six league goals this term, all coming as a substitute. The team’s top scorer remains Julián Álvarez with seven, though he is currently on an eight-game league goal drought.
For Alavés, striker Lucas Boyé will be the main threat. He has found form with four goals in his last nine league appearances, a marked improvement on his previous output.
In terms of absences, Atlético are expected to be without Nicolás González (thigh) and Clément Lenglet (knee). Alavés will miss the suspended defender Facundo Garcés.
Match Details & Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Competition | LaLiga EA Sports, Round 20 |
| Date & Time | 18 January 2026, 3.15pm UTC |
| Venue | Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Madrid |
| Referee | Guillermo Cuadra Fernández |
| Atleti Home Form | Last 8 league matches: 8 Wins |
| Alavés Away Form | Last 9 league matches: 1 Win, 1 Draw, 7 Losses |
| Opta Win Probability | Atleti: 66.8% | Draw: 19.1% | Alavés: 14.1% |
Predicted Lineups
Atlético Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Llorente, Giménez, Hancko, Ruggeri; G. Simeone, Cardoso, Barrios, Almada; Sørloth, Griezmann.
Deportivo Alavés (4-2-3-1): Sivera; Jonny, Tenaglia, Pacheco, Parada; Ibáñez, Blanco; Vicente, Guridi, Aleñá; Martínez.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is Atlético Madrid vs Alavés?
The match kicks off at 3.15pm UTC (4.15pm local time in Spain) on Sunday, 18 January 2026.
Where can I watch the match in the UK?
Broadcast details for the UK are yet to be confirmed. The match is likely to be available via LaLiga TV or through selected streaming partners who hold the UK rights.
What was the score last time these teams met?
They played out a 1-1 draw on 30 August 2025 at the Mendizorroza stadium in the earlier fixture of this 2025/26 season.
Who is Atlético Madrid’s top scorer this season?
Julián Álvarez leads the scoring charts for Atlético in LaLiga with seven goals, though Antoine Griezmann has been a crucial impact player with six.