Deportivo Alavés continued their pre-season preparations with a convincing 3-0 victory over Castellón at a sunny Mendizorrotza on 31 July 2026. The International Club Friendly gave Luis García Plaza’s side a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their attacking combinations and defensive solidity ahead of the new campaign, and they delivered a performance that will have pleased the home supporters.

Match overview

Alavés controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, enjoying long spells of possession and pressing Castellón high up the pitch. The visitors, preparing for their own competitive schedule, found it difficult to build sustained attacks and were forced into defensive work for much of the afternoon. By the time the final whistle sounded, the scoreline reflected the home side’s dominance in almost every department.

First-half breakthrough

The deadlock was broken midway through the first half when a slick passing move carved open the Castellón defence. A low cross from the right channel found a forward in space, who made no mistake from close range. The goal settled any early nerves and allowed Alavés to play with greater freedom as the half progressed. Castellón briefly threatened on the counter-attack, but the hosts’ back four remained organized and reduced the visitors to speculative efforts from distance.

Alavés extend their advantage after the break

The second half started much like the first, with Alavés probing for a second goal. It arrived just before the hour mark from a corner routine that was clearly worked on the training ground. A near-post flick created space for a defender to volley home from six yards, giving the goalkeeper no chance. With the away side now needing to push forward in search of a route back into the game, Alavés exploited the spaces left behind and added a third goal in the final ten minutes, rounding off a polished team display.

What the result means

For Alavés, this friendly represented another positive step in their build-up to the season. The clean sheet will be particularly pleasing, while the variety in their attacking play — one goal from open play, one from a set piece, and a clinical finish on the break — suggests the team is developing important tactical versatility. Castellón, meanwhile, will take lessons from the defeat and look to sharpen their defensive transitions before their next pre-season test.

With the International Club Friendly serving as a useful benchmark, both clubs will now turn their attention to the final weeks of preparation, hoping to carry momentum into their respective league campaigns.