Alaves

Founded in 1921 in the Basque capital of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Deportivo Alavés is a club defined by resilience and a fierce local identity. Born from the merger of two local teams, its early decades were spent navigating the regional leagues before achieving a historic promotion to La Liga in 1930. The club's identity is deeply intertwined with its city and region, proudly bearing the Basque cross on its crest and fostering a passionate, community-centric fanbase. The team's home is the iconic Estadio Mendizorroza, a compact and atmospheric ground in Vitoria-Gasteiz known for its intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. While not a perennial trophy winner, Alavés has etched its name into football folklore with remarkable achievements. Their pinnacle moment came in the 2001 UEFA Cup Final, where they played one of the greatest European finals in history against Liverpool, ultimately losing 5-4 in extra time in a breathtaking display of attacking football. Domestically, they have been Copa del Rey runners-up on multiple occasions, most recently in 2017. The club's playing style has traditionally mirrored its Basque roots: organized, physically robust, and fiercely competitive. Legendary figures include Javi Moreno, the hero of their 2001 European run, and more recently, club captain Manu García, a symbol of loyalty and grit. The fan culture, embodied by the passionate "Glorioso" supporters, is deeply loyal, creating a vibrant and vocal backdrop at Mendizorroza. Currently competing in La Liga, Alavés operates as a classic yo-yo club, frequently bouncing between Spain's top two divisions. Their primary rivalry is with fellow Basque club SD Eibar in the "Basque Mini-Derby," while matches against Real Sociedad and Athletic Club also carry significant regional weight. An interesting fact is their 2001 UEFA Cup run, where they scored 29 goals in 11 matches, showcasing an adventurous spirit that remains a core part of their legacy.