Deportivo Alavés kicked off their pre-season campaign with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Castellón at their training ground on 31 July 2026, handing manager a timely boost ahead of the new season. The International Club Friendly saw the home side control the tempo from start to finish, with goals in both halves sealing a polished all-round display.

Match Overview

Playing in front of a modest but enthusiastic crowd, Alavés wasted little time stamping their authority on the contest. The La Liga side moved the ball quickly through midfield and pinned Castellón back for long stretches. Castellón, preparing for their own league challenge, struggled to sustain any meaningful attacking rhythm and rarely tested the Alavés goalkeeper.

The scoreline could have been more emphatic, with Alavés hitting the woodwork twice. However, three well-taken goals were enough to reflect their superiority and underline the sharpness of their forward line in the early stages of pre-season.

Key Moments

• Opening goal: Alavés broke the deadlock in the 16th minute with a well-worked team move finished from close range.
• Second goal: Just after the hour mark, a swift counter-attack doubled the lead and gave the home side breathing space.
• Late third: A late substitute made an immediate impact, adding a third goal in the 82nd minute to round off a commanding performance.

Tactical Story

Alavés lined up with a fluid 4-3-3 formation, using the full-backs to provide width while the central midfielders rotated possession efficiently. Their high press forced multiple turnovers in dangerous areas, particularly during the first half. Castellón attempted to build from the back but consistently found their passing lanes cut off by Alavés' aggressive front three.

In contrast, Castellón looked most dangerous on the break but lacked a clinical edge in the final third. Their best chance came midway through the second half when a low cross was turned just wide from close range. As pre-season games go, it was a useful workout for both sides, though Alavés clearly showed the greater cohesion.

Takeaways for the Season Ahead

For Alavés, the clean sheet and three goals offer encouraging signs. The rotation of the squad across the 90 minutes allowed several fringe players to stake a claim for starting places. Castellón, on the other hand, will take lessons from the defeat as they continue to build fitness and understanding among their new signings.

International Club Friendlies rarely tell the full story of a team's prospects, but this was a statement of intent from Deportivo Alavés. The solid defensive display and sharp attacking movement will give supporters reason for optimism as the new campaign draws closer.