Key Facts
- Alavés hasn’t kept a clean sheet in 14 league games and has conceded in each of its last five matches—a fundamental defensive issue, according to coach Sánchez Flores.
- The suspensions of Denis Suárez and the absence of Carlos Protesoni weaken Alavés’ midfield control, which could prove decisive against Osasuna’s patient build-up play.
- The return of Ante Budimir to the squad significantly strengthens Osasuna; he decided the last league match against Girona and faces one of the league’s most vulnerable defenses.
- Four of the last five head-to-head matches had fewer than 1.5 goals at halftime – an indication of slow starts and a controlled style of play from both teams.
- The last meeting (December 2025) ended with a 3-0 home win for Osasuna; in a five-game comparison, Osasuna holds a slight edge, with Alavés’ only win coming in a friendly.
- In their last five matches, both teams have scored at least four goals each – statistically, this still points to “Both Teams to Score,” despite expected caution from both sides.
The turmoil surrounding Deportivo Alavés is no longer a minor issue. Quique Sánchez Flores is particularly troubled by a defense that has gone 14 league games without keeping a clean sheet, and now Osasuna, with the recovered Ante Budimir, is coming to Estadio Mendizorrotza for Sunday night’s La Liga match. Alavés is level on points with Sevilla and just two points ahead of Elche, while the December 2025 matchup ended 3-0 in Osasuna’s favor. This tense situation makes the betting market analysis all the more interesting, as the odds point to a virtually wide-open race.
- Venue: Estadio Mendizorrotza, Vitoria-Gasteiz
- Date and Time: April 5, 2026, 9:00 PM
- Competition: La Liga (Matchday 30)
Bets are focusing on a close 1-1 draw. The market sees the match as virtually even, but X2 seems like a sensible bet: With Ante Budimir back, Alessio Liscis’s team looks more stable, while Alavés is weakened by the absences of Denis Suárez and Carlos Protesoni.
Alavés Form & Record Check
The 4-3 win at Celta was impressive and important, but it didn’t solve the underlying problem. Alavés was already down by three goals at halftime and only then found the means to turn things around, with two goals from Toni Martínez and a strong performance by Ángel Pérez.
A comeback showing character, yet one that simultaneously highlighted how easily this team can be taken apart.
This contradiction has been a recurring theme throughout the league season. Points against Villarreal and Celta, goals in four of the last five games, but also conceding in all five matches. Quique Sánchez Flores has openly addressed the issue: Alavés has gone 14 league games without keeping a clean sheet and remains conspicuously vulnerable to crosses and second balls.
There are still decisions to be made in attack. Ibrahim Diabate changed the rhythm in Vigo and might deserve a bigger role, even if Lucas Boyé and Toni Martínez remain the more likely duo. The real concern, however, lies further back: Carlos Protesoni remains sidelined, Denis Suárez is suspended, and thus the midfield lacks precisely the control that will be needed in what could be a very intense match.
Alavés could line up in a likely 4-4-2 formation to restore some stability after a period of persistent defensive problems, with Antonio Sivera – 1 behind Jonny Otto – 17, Nahuel Tenaglia – 14, Jon Pacheco – 5, and Victor Parada – 24. The idea, at least in this potential system, would be to restore some defensive stability after a stretch in which they haven’t conceded any clear-cut goals.
Carlos Protesoni remains sidelined with a muscle injury, which is why the projected midfield will likely feature Pablo Ibáñez – 19 and Antonio Blanco – 8 in the center, while Ángel Pérez – 7 and Carles Aleñá – 10 are expected to provide width. Up front, Toni Martínez – 11 and Lucas Boyé – 15 are likely to form the most probable duo, though this is ultimately just a prediction and not a confirmed lineup.
Osasuna Form & Record Check
Osasuna arrives in a relaxed mood following their 1-0 win over Girona, a match they managed patiently before Ante Budimir sealed the victory late on. His return from Croatia is significant, as Alessio Liscis’s team often looks most convincing when the game remains under control and they can wait for the right moment on the flank, the second ball, or a run into space.
This pace explains much of their recent league form. The wins against Girona and Real Madrid were built on control and timing, while the losses at Real Sociedad and Valencia showed that they can falter on the road when forced into a more open game. Interestingly, four of their last five matches were still under 1.5 goals at halftime.
Added to that is more depth around the attack.
Víctor Muñoz brings confidence after his call-up to the Spanish national team, Raúl Moro has returned to team training, and Jon Moncayola brings calm to Osasuna when games get physical. They don’t usually overwhelm opponents, but they generally have a clearer structure than Alavés, which can make all the difference in a tight away game.
Osasuna is likely to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, though this is, of course, still just a prediction. Sergio Herrera – 1 is expected to sit behind a back four, while Ante Budimir – 17 leads the attack and Aimar Oroz – 10 operates behind him. Víctor Muñoz – 21 seems to be the man for direct runs and quick counterattacks, and Budimir himself is once again an option following his return to team training.
There isn’t really a need for major changes, though Iker Benito remains sidelined. Raúl Moro could play a role again after returning to group training. In midfield, Jon Moncayola – 7 and Iker Muñoz – 8 are set as the double six, a duo tasked with helping Osasuna in the battle for second balls and securing the defense.
Alaves – Osasuna Head-to-Head & Statistics
Recent meetings have been tight for long stretches before the game opened up later on. Four of the last five matches saw fewer than two goals in the first half, so slow starts are a real pattern here. Nevertheless, Osasuna has scored in all five matches, and Alavés has conceded a goal after halftime in each of the last four, which is more persistent than it appears at first glance.
The clearest outlier came in December 2025, when Osasuna won 3-0 at home. Prior to that, the teams drew 1-1 in May 2025 and 2-2 in 2024, while Alavés’ only win in this five-game sample was a friendly in 2024. The margin of victory is therefore limited, but the head-to-head record leans slightly in Osasuna’s favor.
