Deportivo Alavés vs Girona Preview, Starting XI, Team News & How to Watch

The 2025-26 La Liga season continues to deliver high-stakes drama as Matchday 25 brings a fascinating encounter between Deportivo Alavés vs Girona FC. Set in the heart of Vitoria-Gasteiz, this match is a clash of contrasting momentum and styles.

Girona arrives at the Mendizorroza buoyed by a historic and sensational 3-2 victory over Barcelona, a result that has thrust them back into the spotlight of European football discussions.

Conversely, Alavés, though positioned in the lower half of the table, has turned their home ground into a fortress where it looks to secure the points necessary to banish any lingering relegation fears.

Deportivo Alavés vs Girona FC Match Details, Tactical Analysis, Predicted XI, and Where to Watch

• Date: Monday, February 23, 2026
• Kick-off Time: 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT (20:00 local time)
• Venue: Estadio de Mendizorroza, Vitoria-Gasteiz
• Competition: La Liga EA Sports – Matchday 25

The Story of the Season: Momentum vs Home Strength

Girona’s recent victory over Barcelona was not just a win; it was a statement. Despite grappling with a crippling injury list that would derail most squads, they showed tactical flexibility and grit.

However, their biggest challenge remains consistency, particularly on the road. Away from home, Girona has often struggled to replicate the fluid, attacking football they display at the Montilivi.

Deportivo Alavés enters this fixture knowing that their survival and mid-table ambitions depend heavily on their home form. They have collected 18 of their 26 total points at the Mendizorroza this season, a statistic that highlights how difficult it is for visiting teams to play in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

Alavés is particularly dangerous in the opening 45 minutes, often maintaining clean sheets in the first half at home to frustrate superior opponents.

Team News & Injury Updates

Both managers face significant selection headaches due to a mix of suspensions and long-term injuries.

Deportivo Alavés

The home side receives a major boost with the return of Jonny Otto from suspension, although he is being monitored for minor fitness issues. Manager Luis García Plaza will also need to assess late fitness tests for Nahuel Tenaglia and Antonio Blanco.

• Out: Ville Koski (Tendon) and Carlos Protesoni (Ankle) are long-term absentees.
• Doubtful: Ibrahim Diabaté is struggling with physical discomfort.

Girona FC

Girona’s injury list is among the most extensive in La Liga, which makes their recent results even more impressive.

• Suspended: Joel Roca is out following a red card against Barcelona.
• Out: The squad is missing key veterans and creative sparks, including Donny van de Beek (Achilles), Cristian Portu (Knee), and Azzedine Ounahi.
• Goalkeeping Crisis: With Marc-André ter Stegen out until April, Paulo Gazzaniga carries a heavy responsibility between the sticks.

Tactical Analysis: What to Expect

Alavés: The High-Intensity Block Alavés usually sets up in a compact 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions. Against a possession-heavy team like Girona, expect them to sit deep and use the pace of Carlos Martín and Lucas Boyé to exploit spaces on the counter-attack.

Their physical presence in midfield, led by the returning Antonio Blanco, will be key to disrupting Girona’s passing lanes.

Girona: Controlled Chaos Despite the injuries, Girona maintains an attacking philosophy. They rely on Viktor Tsygankov and Bryan Gil to provide width and creativity, while Thomas Lemar acts as the bridge between midfield and attack.

They will look to dominate possession, but must be wary of Alavés’ ability to win second balls in the air, a traditional strength of the Mendizorroza hosts.

Deportivo Alavés vs Girona FC Predicted Starting XIs

Deportivo Alavés (4-4-2):

• Goalkeeper: Antonio Sivera
• Defenders: Tenaglia, Garcés, Pacheco, Jonny Otto
• Midfielders: Calebe, Blanco, Suárez, Aleñá
• Forwards: Carlos Martín, Lucas Boyé

Girona FC (4-2-3-1):

• Goalkeeper: Paulo Gazzaniga
• Defenders: Rincón, Reis, Blind, Martínez
• Midfielders: Tsygankov, Lemar, Witsel, Martín, Gil
• Forward: Artem Vanat

Key Players

Match Prediction: A Cagey Affair

Historical data suggests a tight game. Girona has won the last two meetings by a narrow 1-0 margin, but Alavés at home is a different beast. Given Girona’s injury-depleted squad and Alavés’ desperate need for home points, a draw seems a highly likely outcome.

• Final Score Prediction: Alavés 1–1 Girona
• Key Fact: Alavés has kept a first-half clean sheet in 75% of their home games this season.

Where to Watch Deportivo Alavés vs Girona FC Preview

For soccer fans in North America, this match is available on multiple platforms.