Jornada 2 closes at Mendizorrotza on Friday 28 August 2026 (21:30 CEST) as Alavés host Villarreal. The Submarine Yellow travel with Gerard Moreno and Moleiro pulling strings; Alavés rely on Boyé, Abde and a resolute defensive shape at their Basque fortress.
Alavés: how they've set up
Alavés's compact 4-4-2 frustrates visitors at Mendizorrotza — Denis Suárez and Aleñá add quality on the break. Home points are critical for survival targets.
Alavés Predicted Starting XI & Lineup · 4-4-2
Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.
Villarreal: how they've set up
Marcelino's Villarreal play fluent 4-3-3 with Moreno as the focal striker and Moleiro as the creative outlet. Gulácsi and the back three/four hybrid offer stability on the road.
Where this gets decided
Villarreal's possession vs Alavés's low block — the visitors must be patient; Alavés hunt transitions through Abde and Boyé.
Fantasy picks for this one
- Gerard Moreno (Villarreal, FWD): class finisher away from home.
- Lucas Boyé (Alavés, FWD): main home attacking threat.
- Yeremy Pino / Moleiro (Villarreal, MID): creative differential.
- Predictor: Villarreal 2–1 Alavés.
My call
Villarreal's quality breaks the deadlock late. Prediction: Alavés 1–2 Villarreal.