Atl. Madrid vs Alaves Prediction & Betting Tips (18 January)

In pain, Atlético Madrid obtained their ticket to the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey this week by beating Deportivo La Coruna, with a sumptuous direct free kick from the legendary Antoine Griezmann 0-1. A few days earlier, the Colchoneros had lost another chance to win a major trophy, losing in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid 1-2. In La Liga, once is not customary but the 4th-placed Madrilenians are already well out of the title race with no less than 11 points behind Barça who are leaders. To start 2026, Diego Simeone's men shared the points at the Anoeta Arena of Real Sociedad 1-1.

Opposite, Deportivo Alaves 16th had been able to hold Atlético Madrid in check during the first leg. The task will be much more difficult to achieve at the Metropolitano today, especially since away from home, the Basque club has lost its last 6 matches played in La Liga including defeats like against Osasuna 3-0 and Villarreal last weekend 3-1. This week, Alaves took on Rayo Vallecano at home in a 1/8th final of the Copa del Rey, result to follow. 

Never really able to establish himself as an indisputable starter since his arrival from Chelsea but still very used by Atlético, Conor Gallagher has already booked his plane ticket for a return to London but to Tottenham where he signed for 40 million euros. Very little in sight, Javi Galan preferred to sign on loan for Osasuna, when Raspadori returned to Italy (to Atalanta precisely). The French central defender Clément Lenglet and the corridor player Nico Gonzalez have taken their subscription to the infirmary. The emblematic midfielder Koke would be on his return. Following his short playing time, Raspadori could be forced to leave by the end of the winter transfer window. Again and again: Antoine Griezmann, armband on his arm, to lead his team towards qualification for the Copa del Rey against La Coruna with a sublime free kick, his 3rd goal in the competition. The ex-French international has scored 6 goals in La Liga as a substitute without forgetting his 3 contributions in the Champions League (1 goal, 2 assists). The Argentinian Julian Alvarez has not scored in 5 games in the Atlético jersey and since November 1 in La Liga. Still sanctioned by FIFA, defender Garces will not play in the capital today. Dismissed in recent weeks by coach Eduardo Coudet, Mariano Diaz, Diarra and Maras will likely be sidelined once again.

Lucas Boyé (4 goals in the league) will also be absent but due to an injury. Deprived of a trip to Villarreal due to a suspension to serve, Protesoni will once again be eligible for the Argentine coach. Carlos Vicente (4 goals in La Liga), the corridor players Alena and Rebbach, the former Real Madrid midfielder A.Blanco and Denis Suarez (ex-Villarreal/Barcelona) will be operational. The probable line-ups for Atlético Madrid - Deportivo Alaves: Atlético Madrid: Oblak - Llorente, Pubill, Gimenez, Hancko - G.Simeone, Koke, Barrios, Baena - Sörloth, Alvarez.Deportivo Alaves: Sivera - Castro, Tenaglia, Pacheco, Parada - Blanco, Ibanez - Vicente, Guridi, Alena - Martinez (or L.Boyé).