Atletico Madrid Faces Alaves Test in LaLiga at Mendizorroza

Atlético Madrid visit Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorroza Stadium on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in LaLiga's eighth round, seeking a fourth consecutive league win after the international break while Alavés aim to protect their strong home record and challenge the second placed side.

According to EFE, Atlético are second in the standings with 16 points, five behind Barcelona, while Alavés sit sixth with 11 points after a solid opening period. The match is scheduled for 16:15 CET at Mendizorroza.

AS reported that Atlético arrive after three straight league victories, including a 2-1 derby win over Real Madrid before the international break. The team has conceded one goal across those three wins.

Diego Simeone has almost his full squad available after several players returned from national team duty, according to EFE. Pablo Barrios, Alexander Sørloth and Alejandro Grimaldo were cleared after recent fitness concerns.

Barrios returned to the starting lineup after recovering from a muscle injury that kept him out for three matches, AS reported. Simeone is expected to manage his minutes with a Champions League match against Manchester United approaching.

Atlético midfielder Pablo Barrios highlighted his determination after his injury setback. "We are going to the World Cup," Barrios said, recalling the message he gave to his family during his recovery.

The Spanish side is expected to rely on players including Jan Oblak, Marcos Llorente, Koke, Giuliano Simeone and Ademola Lookman, with the starting lineup affected by the upcoming European schedule, according to Sports Yahoo.

Alavés enter the match from sixth place and have won three of four home league matches, according to EFE. The team coached by Quique Sánchez Flores has conceded only six goals in seven league games.

EFE reported that Alavés may face defensive adjustments because of injuries, with Ville Koski a doubt. The likely lineup includes Antonio Sivera, Nahuel Tenaglia, Nicolás Valentini, Jony Otto, Abde Rebbach, Lucas Boyé and Toni Martínez.

Historical results also favor Alavés at home. According to EFE, Atlético have not won at Mendizorroza since January 3, 2021, and recorded two draws and two defeats in their last four visits.

The match will be refereed by Alejandro Quintero González, with Pulido Santana assigned to VAR duties, according to the match reports from AS and EFE.