Atlético Madrid’s La Liga Struggles at Mendizorroza: Seeking Crucial Momentum

Atlético Madrid faces intense pressure as they head into their crucial La Liga encounter against Deportivo Alavés. Plagued by a concerning streak of poor away form, Los Colchoneros are desperate to turn their season around. Despite a significant €200 million investment in new talent during the summer transfer window, the club has yet to secure a league victory, settling for draws in their opening two matches against Espanyol and Elche. This shaky start has placed manager Diego Simeone under increasing scrutiny. The upcoming fixture at Alavés’s formidable Mendizorroza stadium offers a vital chance to regain momentum, but history and recent performances suggest a challenging battle ahead for Atlético Madrid.

Historic Challenges for Atlético at Mendizorroza

Atlético Madrid's difficulties at Mendizorroza are well-documented. The team has managed only one win in their last five visits to this venue. Their most alarming issue remains a significant scoring drought; Los Colchoneros haven't scored a goal at Mendizorroza since January 3, 2021. This span, which covers three matches and exceeds 1,000 days, highlights the persistent challenge Atlético faces in breaking their away-game woes at this particular stadium.

Persistent Away Form Concerns for Atlético

The struggles at Mendizorroza are indicative of a larger problem: Atlético Madrid’s poor away record in La Liga. The team has secured just one victory in their last five away matches in the league. The 2025-26 season has begun with a series of setbacks on the road, including an away draw against Espanyol and another draw against Elche. Overcoming this pattern of poor away form is absolutely essential if Atlético aims to remain a serious contender in the La Liga title race. The Alavés clash is therefore a crucial match, demanding a win to restore confidence and build much-needed momentum.

via GIPHY

Deportivo Alavés Seeks to Exploit Atlético's Vulnerabilities

Deportivo Alavés approaches this match with high morale, buoyed by a season-opening victory. The Babazorros are eager to capitalize on Atlético Madrid’s vulnerabilities, particularly their defensive frailties and wavering confidence on the road. Alavés is expected to deploy a familiar lineup, possibly featuring Mariano Díaz in their attack, aiming to exploit any tactical gaps. Their formidable home form makes them particularly dangerous opponents, especially against an Atlético side still struggling to find cohesion and consistent performance.

via GIPHY

Key Absences Impact Atlético's Tactical Options

Atlético Madrid’s challenge is further complicated by significant injury absences, including key players like Alex Baena and José María Giménez. These missing players severely limit manager Simeone’s tactical flexibility, particularly in defense. The resulting defensive gaps necessitate a highly disciplined, error-minimizing approach from the remaining squad. Simultaneously, the attack must find a way to penetrate Alavés’s resistance, despite the personnel challenges and the historical scoring issues at Mendizorroza.

A Pivotal Match for Atlético Madrid's Season Trajectory

This match represents a defining moment for Atlético Madrid’s entire season. Securing a victory would not only avert a historically poor start to their La Liga campaign but also alleviate the mounting pressure on Diego Simeone and validate the club’s heavy summer transfer investment. However, overcoming their deeply rooted historical struggles at Mendizorroza, combined with ongoing away form issues and crucial key absences, will demand a truly resolute and focused performance from Los Colchoneros. Failure to earn all three points could deepen the club's current crisis, while a hard-fought win would undoubtedly reignite their La Liga title ambitions and set a positive tone for the challenging season ahead.