Portugalete vs Alaves Match Preview - Dec 2, 2025

As the Copa del Rey's Round of 64 approaches, an electrifying clash is set to unfold between Portugalete and Alaves on December 2, 2025, at Campo Futbol La Florida. Stakes are high in this knockout format; one slip-up could end a season filled with hopes and aspirations for either side. With Portugalete riding a wave of momentum from their recent victories, while Alaves struggles to find form in La Liga, this match has all the makings of an upset.

Let's dive into the starkly contrasting trajectories leading into this encounter. On one hand, we have Portugalete-a team that has been breathing fire recently-garnering three wins and a draw from their last five outings. The home side is not only brimming with confidence but also showcasing impressive offensive capabilities, scoring 11 goals in those matches. Meanwhile, Alaves has stumbled through their last few games like a heavyweight boxer caught in the ropes: two losses sandwiched around a single victory against Espanyol before being dismantled by Celta Vigo and Girona. Their lackluster performance has seen them manage just one goal in over two hours of football.

Analyzing these teams statistically reveals much about how this match will unfold. Portugalete dominated possession in their recent games, boasting over 55% ball control against lower-tier opposition. This trend indicates their tactical discipline as they maintain control while probing for opportunities. In contrast, Alaves, despite holding slightly more possession against Celta Vigo (52%), failed to convert that into meaningful chances-a glaring reflection of their current woes highlighted by just two shots on target across those two losses.

The most telling statistic might be found in Portugalete's scoring output; they've averaged over two goals per game recently while exhibiting sharp finishing that should send chills down the spine of Alaves' defense. Furthermore, with players like Carlos Vicente racking up three goals this season already, and Toni Martínez showing potential sparks with two tallies of his own during their Cup run, it's evident that Portugalete possesses lethal weaponry that could exploit any frailties in Alaves' reeling backline.

Meanwhile, Alaves finds themselves wrestling with both injuries and form issues that hinder their cohesion on the pitch. Their reliance on players like Denis Suárez-a solitary goal scorer thus far-is worrying given his uneven contributions alongside Lucas Boyé's sporadic flashes of brilliance with two goals to his name. When you consider Alaves' overall expected goals (xG) stats-just 0.68 against Celta Vigo-it's painfully clear that not only are they struggling to find rhythm offensively but also misfiring on opportunities presented to them.

This pivotal contest features statistical head-to-head battles ripe for analysis: Portugalete thrives on converting possession into goal-scoring chances, whereas Alaves must shift from passivity to aggression if they hope to succeed here. Will they crack under pressure? Given that they received six yellow cards combined over their past three matches-including a red card against Espanyol-it's apparent discipline is not merely an issue; it may become paramount as they face off against an eager Portugalete side ready to capitalize on mistakes.

Watch for the tactical showdown between Portugalete's invigorated midfield-led by Vicente-and Alaves' increasingly beleaguered defenders who've lost grip under continuous attacking pressure. If Sivera, the goalkeeper for Alaves who currently holds a decent rating at 7.08 this season but remains without clean sheets lately, can't make vital saves early in the match and stave off Portugalete's relentless pursuit for a goal, it could lead to a tidal wave of momentum swinging toward the home team.

Now let me put my cards on the table: I predict Portugalete will not just win this matchup; they will seize control emphatically with a scoreline of 3-1! Yes! Three goals for an inspired team driven by confidence and ambition against an Alaves outfit who simply cannot get out of their rut right now!

Make no mistake-the urgency is palpable! If Alaves allows fear and uncertainty to dictate play rather than embracing the fight ahead, they'll find themselves cast aside like many teams have been before when facing fierce underdogs bent on making history within these walls! Mark my words; when these two teams clash come Saturday evening under those bright lights at Campo Futbol La Florida, expect nothing less than an exhilarating showdown where one side makes its statement loud and clear amidst knockout drama!