Deportivo Alavés, S.A.D. ( Spanish pronunciation: [depoɾˈtiβo alaˈβes] ; Sporting Alavés ), usually known as Alavés , is a Spanish football club based in Vitoria-Gasteiz , Álava , in the autonomous community of the Basque Country . Founded on 23 January 1921 as Sport Friends Club, the club competes in La Liga , the top tier of Spanish football .
