Deportivo Alavés, Valencia CF's opponents on Matchday 27, are special rivals for coach Albert Celades. It was against them that he earned his first victory as the club's coach at Mestalla -going on to maintain a run of over 5 months unbeaten at home in LaLiga that still stands.

The team from Vitoria were also foes against whom he enjoyed most success as a player. From the time he broke into the FC Barcelona first team in 1996, through to his retirement at New York Red Bulls in 2009, he played Alavés on five occasions, never losing to them either home or away.

His record was 4 victories and 1 draw against them as a player, plus a win as a coach earlier this season. He would also lift the LaLiga title at Mendizorroza in 1998/99, albeit not playing in that game. Over 20 years on, he is back there in his new role as the main man in the VCF dugout.