Athletic Bilbao vs Alaves
Copa del Rey
Fourth Round
Tuesday
16th January 2024
San Mames
The most comprehensive preview, analysis and reliable predictions of the Copa del Rey Fourth Round fixture between Athletic Bilbao and Alaves.
Athletic Bilbao vs Alaves: Preview
Athletic Bilbao form analysis
Lehoiak come into the new year in excellent form, with four wins from their last five league matches. Their most recent result was an impressive 2-1 home win over local rivals Real Sociedad. Racing into a 2-0 first half lead through Alex Berenguer before holding off a late comeback. That win built on a 2-0 away victory over Sevilla the previous week thanks to goals from Mikel Vesga and Aitor Paredes.
Prior to that successful festive period, Athletic picked up a hard fought last gasp 1-0 home win over Las Palmas courtesy of an Unai Gomez injury time strike. Their only recent dropped points came in a creditable 1-1 away draw at Granada. They took an early lead through Inaki Williams before conceding a freak own goal equalizer. On the whole, Athletic look very solid defensively and a real threat on transitions with the pace of brothers Inaki and Nico Williams on the break. Scoring more goals from open play could be key. If the manager can get the likes of Guruzeta, Vesga and Berenguer chipping in regularly alongside the Williams brothers, a top four push seems very achievable for this well drilled Athletic side.
Alaves form analysis
Alaves come into the new year with back-to-back wins. Lifting them out of the relegation zone after a difficult first half of the season. Their most recent result was an excellent 2-3 away victory at Sevilla. Racing into a 2-0 first half lead through Nicolas Tenaglia and Kike Garcia before holding on despite Sevilla battling back to 2-2. That comeback win built on a hard fought 1-1 home draw against Champions League chasing Real Sociedad on New Year’s Day. They took a surprise lead through Luis Rioja’s penalty before being pegged back late on.
Prior to that festive period, Alaves put in a creditable performance away at Real Madrid despite losing 1-0 to a last minute Lucas Vazquez winner. Their worst display came in a poor 3-0 home loss to Girona. The scoreline accurately reflected their lack of cutting edge in attack and fragility at the back. On the whole though, the manager seems to have tightened up Alaves defensively and made them more threatening on transitions with Rioja and Garcia. If this continues, escaping relegation could be a real possibility despite their difficult start.
