Alavés @ Las Palmas - March 14, 2025

As I sit down to reflect on the upcoming clash between Las Palmas and Alaves, a game that promises to be crucial for both squads as they battle to avoid relegation in La Liga, I can’t help but remember the pivotal moments that come to define a season. In this matchup, it’s not just about the points at stake; it’s about survival, resilience, and strategy under pressure.

Both teams find themselves in the lower echelons of the table, with Las Palmas currently sitting at 19th with a record of 6-6-15, while Alaves hovers just above them in 18th, boasting a record of 6-8-13. The stakes are undeniably high. The fans will witness a tangible sense of urgency as these players leave everything on the pitch, reminiscent of some of the most dramatic relegation battles I’ve coached through in my career.

Las Palmas comes into this matchup with a fresh setback in their last outing, suffering a defeat against Real Betis. The 1-0 scoreline was a reflection of their struggle to convert opportunities into goals, a theme that has plagued them throughout the season. Games like these are telling; a team’s ability to bounce back after a loss is key. I vividly recall a match where my team faced a similar situation. It was critical to remind the players that resilience is built in adversity, challenging them to forge a new identity—a task Las Palmas must tackle head-on.

On the other hand, Alaves enters this contest buoyed by a slender victory over Villarreal CF. A 1-0 win may not seem glamorous but can serve as a vital confidence booster. One goal can ignite the flame of belief in a squad, but they must ensure that this momentum translates into a strong performance on the road. I once coached a team that managed to pull themselves from the brink after a narrow victory—the players drew strength from that win, knowing they could grind out results.

Looking at the odds, Las Palmas opens as slight favorites with odds of 1.92, while Alaves stands at 1.51. The draw at 2.15 suggests that sportsbooks anticipate a closely contested affair. Given the scores of recent games for both teams, it’s reasonable to expect a low-scoring encounter. Each team understands the price of a goal—both in terms of the table and psychological edge.

From a tactical perspective, I would expect both managers to adopt a conservative approach, focusing on defensive solidity and crucial midfield battles. Each side will need to prioritize maintaining possession and controlling the pace, minimizing risks that could lead to defensive lapses.

In terms of prediction, I believe we can expect an intense and competitive match, but an UNDER 2.5 goals looks likely here, as both teams are struggling to find the back of the net consistently. Tension will be palpable, and while both Las Palmas and Alaves are desperate for a result, the weight of expectation can often serve to stifle creativity.

This match, with both teams fighting for survival, presents a unique opportunity for players to showcase their character under pressure. As a former coach, I’ve seen that a single moment—be it a defensive error or a moment of brilliance—can turn the tide in these high-stakes matches. Fans, prepare yourselves for a gritty battle on the pitch.