Alavés secured automatic promotion, while Valencia returned through the play-offs. The sides met twice last season and Valencia failed to win either match.
Alavés and Valencia begin life back in the top flight at Mendizorroza on Sunday. Las Gloriosas earned automatic promotion after finishing second in Primera Federación. Valencia finished third and defeated Villarreal in the play-offs thanks to Leyre Monente’s 99th-minute goal in the decisive match. Monente retired this summer.
The teams already faced each other twice last season. The match at the Antonio Puchades ended 1-1, with goals from Raquel Gil and Nazareth. Alavés won the return fixture 1-0 through Carmen Sobrón.
Andrea Esteban and Mikel Crespo remain in charge of the teams they led to promotion. Alavés have made nine signings, while Valencia have brought in seven players after retaining a larger part of last season’s squad.
Valencia ended their preparations with a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United. Marta Mascarell and Danielle Marcano scored before the Spanish side lost the Trofeo TM on penalties.
Alavés will be without Amaya García, who is away with Spain for the Under-20 World Cup.
The match gives both promoted teams an early opportunity to collect points against an opponent likely to share the same main objective: staying in Liga F.
Deportivo Alavés vs Valencia CF
Sunday 30 August · 17:00 CEST
Mendizorroza
Where to watch: DAZN