As the 2025/2026 La Liga season continues, Alavés and Girona are set to clash at Mendizorrotza Stadium on February 23, 2026. Both teams are positioned in the middle of the table, with Alavés in 14th place on 26 points from 24 games and Girona just ahead in 12th with 29 points. This match holds significance as Alavés look to end a winless streak in their last three home games, while Girona aim to maintain their unbeaten run in recent outings, adding an element of mid-table competition to avoid deeper struggles.
Examining team form, Alavés have shown inconsistency in their past five matches: they drew 1-1 with Sevilla on February 14, lost 0-2 to Getafe on February 8, secured a 2-1 win over Espanyol on January 30, triumphed 2-1 against Real Betis on January 25, and fell 1-0 to Atlético Madrid on January 18. Girona's recent form is generally described as a draw followed by a loss, another draw, and two wins, highlighting a somewhat positive momentum despite the lack of specific details.
Key players will be vital in this encounter, with Alavés relying on leading attackers Lucas Boyé and Toni Martínez, who have been among their top scorers. However, the team faces challenges with goalkeeper Antonio Sivera sidelined due to injury. For Girona, Vladyslav Vanat stands out as the main attacker, supported by Viktor Tsygankov and Bryan Gil as key contributors. The squad is dealing with multiple absences: Portu with torn knee ligaments until June 30, 2026, Donny van de Beek out with an Achilles tendon rupture until April 1, 2026, Juan Carlos with a knee injury, Marc-André ter Stegen sidelined with a hamstring issue until April 15, 2026, Azzedine Ounahi recovering from a calf injury until February 22, 2026, and Álex Moreno out with a muscle injury until March 24, 2026.
Tactically, Alavés are expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation with Raúl Fernández in goal, defended by Jon Pacheco, Jonny Otto, Carlos Protesoni, and Victor Parada, midfield anchored by Antonio Blanco, Pablo Ibáñez, Carles Aleñá, and Calebe, and attack led by Lucas Boyé and Toni Martínez. Girona may opt for a 4-2-3-1 setup featuring Paulo Gazzaniga in goal, a backline of Hugo Rincón, Arnau Martínez, Daley Blind, and Vitor Reis, midfield duo of Fran Beltrán and Thomas Lemar, and forwards Iván Martín, Viktor Tsygankov, Bryan Gil, with Vladyslav Vanat up top. Head-to-head records are sparse, but Alavés have drawn two of their last four home meetings against Girona, suggesting potential for a tightly contested affair.
Considering the current dynamics, Alavés' home struggles and Girona's recent steadiness could tilt the balance. While Girona might hold an edge based on their form, the outcome is uncertain given the injuries and Alavés' capability to perform. One could lean towards a draw or a narrow Girona victory, but it will likely depend on how both sides adapt their tactics on the day.
