Alaves' Goal Surge: Fighting Relegation with a New Attacking Style in La Liga
Explore how Deportivo Alaves, led by Quique Sanchez Flores, has transformed their play, fighting for La Liga survival with a new goal-scoring trend. Will the high-scoring run continue?
Deportivo Alaves has emerged as the team to watch for goal-scoring enthusiasts in La Liga's intense relegation battle. Following a crucial 2-1 victory over Mallorca, Los Babazorros have temporarily escaped the relegation zone, but the fight at the bottom of the table remains fierce. The arrival of new coach Quique Sanchez Flores has injected a more offensive playing philosophy, promising action-packed matches.
Earlier in the season, under Chacho Coudet, Alaves was known for its disciplined approach and low-scoring games; only five of their first fifteen league fixtures produced more than two goals. However, the dynamic shifted dramatically with Coudet's departure in March and the arrival of Quique Sanchez Flores, who immediately pushed for a more risky, attacking strategy.
Since the experienced Spanish coach took charge, Alaves has played seven games, recording an impressive average of 4.29 goals per match. In all these encounters, both teams managed to score, and six of them saw at least three goals, confirming the new offensive vocation of the white and blues.
Quique Sanchez Flores quickly realized that draws would not be enough to secure survival. With nineteen teams currently averaging at least a point per game, it's estimated that surpassing 40 points will be crucial to avoid relegation in this La Liga season.
Currently in sixteenth position, Alaves is four points shy of that safety mark, with only five games left to play. The Basque club needs at least two more wins to secure their top-flight status, as their advantage over Levante, in nineteenth position, is just three points.
Fortunately for Los Babazorros, their remaining schedule appears favorable, with three of their last five games being at home. Furthermore, their away matches will be against direct rivals such as Real Oviedo and Elche. The next challenge will be an exciting local derby against Athletic Club at Mendizorrotza, where the goal-scoring trend is expected to continue.