Betis and Alavés Clash in Crucial LaLiga Showdown

SEVILLE, Spain — Real Betis and Deportivo Alavés faced off in a high-stakes LaLiga match on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Benito Villamarín Stadium. Both teams entered the game seeking redemption after disappointing starts to the year, with Betis aiming to stay in the race for European qualification and Alavés fighting to escape the relegation zone.

Betis, managed by Manuel Pellegrini, arrived after back-to-back losses, including a 5-1 Copa del Rey defeat to Barcelona and a league loss to Valladolid. Alavés, under Eduardo Coudet, had only one win in their last 13 league matches, leaving them in a precarious position near the bottom of the table.

Pellegrini and Coudet share a unique bond, as Pellegrini coached Coudet during their time at River Plate in 2002. “I know him well, I hold him in high esteem, and tomorrow I hope he loses. But we have to win, and I’ll still be happy even if I have to console him,” Pellegrini said in the pre-match press conference. Coudet reciprocated the sentiment, calling Pellegrini a “football father” to him.

Betis fielded an expected lineup, with Adrián San Miguel starting in goal over Rui Vieites. Jesús Rodríguez, a rising star from the academy, earned his first start at the Villamarín. Alavés, meanwhile, relied on striker Kike García, who has scored five goals this season, to lead their attack.

The match was marked by key absences on both sides. Betis missed Chimy Ávila, Giovani Lo Celso, and Aitor Ruibal due to injuries, while Alavés played without midfielder Gonzalo Escalante, sidelined with sciatica. The duel between Betis’ Isco and Alavés’ Guridi was highlighted as a pivotal matchup, with both players expected to dictate the tempo of the game.

Alavés’ recent struggles were evident in their defensive record, having conceded 31 goals, the second-worst in the league. Betis, on the other hand, sought to capitalize on their home advantage and reignite their push for European spots. The game ended with Betis securing a narrow victory, thanks to a late goal from Vitor Roque, lifting them closer to the top six.

As the final whistle blew, Pellegrini and Coudet shared a warm embrace, a testament to their enduring friendship despite the competitive nature of the match. For Alavés, the search for stability continues, while Betis looks to build momentum in their quest for a European berth.