La Liga 2026/27 opens on Saturday 15 August with Alavés hosting Getafe at Mendizorrotza in Vitoria-Gasteiz, kick-off 19:30 CEST. Both sides finished in mid-table last season and open the campaign with cautious ambitions: survival and a possible top-half push. This Basque fortress is notoriously difficult to visit in the early weeks, giving Alavés a meaningful home advantage.
Alavés: built on defensive solidity
Alavés enter the season with the same compact, well-organised defensive shape that kept them comfortably in the division last year. Their summer transfer activity has focused on retaining key defenders and adding experienced midfield cover. Expect a disciplined 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 with a high work rate from wide players pressing Getafe's full-backs. Set pieces remain their primary route to goal.
Getafe: Bordalás-style physicality
Getafe's identity remains rooted in José Bordalás's legacy — intensely physical, narrow, and hard to break down. The Coliseum Alfonso Pérez side struggled with consistency last season but ultimately stayed up. On the road in Jornada 1, they will aim to frustrate Alavés and nick a goal on the counter. Enes Ünal leads the line when fit, with Mauro Arambarri controlling tempo in midfield.
Alavés Predicted Starting XI & Lineup · 4-4-2
Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.
Tactical battle
This is a game between two defensively-minded teams happy to let the other have the ball. Alavés's home crowd will push them forward early, but Getafe's ability to absorb pressure and play on the break makes a low-scoring contest likely. Corners and set plays could be decisive — both sides rank among La Liga's top 10 for aerial duels won.
Prediction & fantasy picks
- Under 2.5 goals (74%) is the statistically strong market for a Alavés-Getafe opener.
- Enes Ünal (Getafe) — if starting, one of La Liga's most reliable poachers for anytime scorer.
- Prediction: Alavés 1–0 Getafe. Home advantage and a fired-up Mendizorrotza crowd edges the hosts.