Marcelino García Toral’s side host the Basque side in their first home game of the year (Saturday, 4:15pm CEST)
Villarreal CF kick off 2026 at the Estadio de la Cerámica by hosting Deportivo Alavés on Saturday at 4:15pm CEST, in what will be the final Matchday of the first half of the LALIGA season. Pending the rescheduled derby against Levante, the Yellows will be looking to secure the best first half in the club’s history in the top flight. It is an ideal scenario for the Yellow Submarine, who have started the year by reclaiming third place, despite having played two fewer matches than Atlético de Madrid.
Marcelino García Toral’s team come into the game after an emphatic 1-3 win over Elche CF in the regional derby played at the Estadio Martínez Valero. Villarreal produced an entertaining and attacking performance against Eder Sarabia’s side, one of the standout teams of the LALIGA EA Sports season so far.
Under Marcelino’s guidance, Villarreal will be aiming to claim another victory. This time it will be in front of their home fans and against a always-dangerous Deportivo Alavés side, who will be looking to put an end to the Yellows’ positive run of form.
Eduardo Coudet’s team arrive three points above the relegation zone and nine points adrift of the European places. In their most recent outing, they drew 1-1 against Real Oviedo at Mendizorrotza, thanks to an excellent free-kick goal from Lucas Boyé.
In terms of absentees, Carlos Benavídez will miss the match after being sent off in the Babazorros’ last fixture. Deportivo Alavés’ top scorer this season is Carlos Vicente, who has netted eight goals in all competitions.
Favourable head-to-head record against Alavés in La Cerámica
Looking at previous meetings, the Yellow Submarine have dominated the head-to-head clashes between the two sides at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The Basque team have not won at the stadium since the 2018/19 season. In their last five visits to La Cerámica, Villarreal have recorded four wins and one draw.
