Deportivo Alavés have emerged as La Liga's surprise package after just four rounds, with manager Quique Sánchez Flores claiming the league's August coach of the month award ahead of Barcelona's Hansi Flick and Real Madrid's José Mourinho. The Vitoria-based club sit second in the table on 10 points, trailing only Barcelona's perfect 12-point haul and defying expectations in a season many predicted would belong to Spain's traditional powerhouses.
Alavés have assembled an impressive opening month record, collecting 10 points from a possible 12 with victories over Getafe (3-0) and Villarreal (1-0), plus a draw against Rayo Vallecano. Their momentum accelerated in round four when they dismantled Osasuna 5-2, a scoreline that underlined their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. In contrast, Flick's Barcelona won three and drew once, accumulating a perfect 12 points, while Real Madrid languish third with just 9 points from their opening fixtures.
The Dark Horse Challenge Begins
Sánchez Flores has orchestrated something unexpected: a genuine threat to La Liga's established order. His tactical approach at Alavés, built on fluid attacking transitions and disciplined defending, stands in sharp contrast to the star-studded squads of Barcelona and Real Madrid. The Spanish league association's decision to award him August's best coach honour signals recognition that exceptional results matter regardless of squad pedigree. Alavés have historically competed at a level below Spain's elite, yet this campaign suggests they are capable of sustaining their early challenge.
The battle for La Liga supremacy now extends beyond the traditional two-horse race between Barcelona and Real Madrid. With four matches played and the season still in its infancy, Alavés have proven they possess the tactical discipline, collective hunger, and clinical finishing to compete at the summit. Their next fixture will reveal whether this hot start represents a genuine title push or a gradual return to reality as the season progresses and injury, fatigue, and fixture congestion take their toll.
