Sevilla vs Alaves 1-1: A LATE PUSH IN VAIN
Sevilla vs Alaves
After taking the lead and hardly struggling in the first half, yet another goal in first-half injury time changed the game, with a determined Alavés fighting back for a point. The match began with an air of cautious optimism for our side, as we sought to build on recent performances and secure a vital victory. From the opening whistle, our players displayed a sense of purpose, moving the ball with confidence and pressing Alavés high up the pitch. The early breakthrough came through a moment of brilliance, as Peque latched onto a perfectly weighted cross from Agoumé to head home a clinical goal that sent the home crowd into raptures. The strike was a testament to the team’s preparation, with Peque’s movement in the box showcasing his growing reputation as a reliable finisher. For much of the first half, we dictated the tempo, stifling Alavés’ attempts to build any meaningful attacks while creating sporadic chances of our own. The midfield, anchored by the tireless work of Jordán and Gudelj, was a picture of control, breaking up play and transitioning the ball swiftly to the flanks. However, as has become an all-too-familiar script in recent weeks, the dying moments of first-half injury time brought a cruel twist. For the third time in our last four matches, we conceded in stoppage time, with Kike García capitalizing on a pinpoint cross from Carlos Vicente to nod home an equalizer that silenced the stadium. The goal was a gut punch, not only because it erased our hard-earned lead but because it exposed a recurring vulnerability in our defensive focus during critical moments. As the teams headed to the dressing rooms, the mood was one of frustration, tempered by the knowledge that the game was still within our grasp.
The first half had been a tale of controlled dominance punctuated by fleeting moments of danger. Alavés, to their credit, had issued an early warning when Tenaglia’s low cross found Guridi in a dangerous position, only for his effort to whistle narrowly wide of the post. It was a reminder of the visitors’ counterattacking threat, but we responded decisively with our opening goal. Nyland’s long ball over the top was a masterstroke, catching Alavés’ high defensive line off guard and allowing Agoumé to deliver a teasing cross into the six-yard box. Peque’s header was both powerful and precise, leaving Sivera with no chance and giving us a deserved lead. From there, we maintained a stranglehold on possession, with Jordán’s relentless pressing forcing Alavés into hurried clearances. One such moment saw Jordán unleash a fierce shot from the edge of the box, only for Gudelj’s committed block to deny a potential second goal. As the half wore on, our confidence grew, and we came close to doubling our advantage just before the break. A well-worked corner routine saw Lukebakio’s delivery find Isaac unmarked at the far post, but the young defender, perhaps caught off guard by the opportunity, failed to steer his header on target from close range. It was a miss that would loom large, as Alavés capitalized on their solitary chance in added time. Carlos Vicente’s cross was inch-perfect, and Kike García’s header was equally clinical, exposing a momentary lapse in our defensive organization. The goal shifted the momentum, leaving our players to regroup and refocus for a second half that promised to be far more challenging.
The second half began with a tactical tweak from Caparrós, who introduced Saúl in place of Ejuke to inject fresh energy into the attack. However, Alavés emerged from the interval with renewed determination, sitting deep and absorbing pressure while looking to exploit transitions. For long stretches, the game settled into a pattern of cautious probing, with neither side willing to overcommit. Our midfield continued to work tirelessly, but Alavés’ compact shape made it difficult to carve out clear-cut opportunities. To break the impasse, Caparrós turned to his bench, bringing on Suso and Sow to add creativity and dynamism. Suso, in particular, looked sharp from the moment he stepped onto the pitch, his quick feet and vision immediately posing problems for Alavés’ backline. The winger’s ability to drift inside and link play gave our attack a new dimension, and it wasn’t long before he began to influence proceedings. With ten minutes remaining, Lukebakio found himself with a golden opportunity to restore our lead, bursting through on goal after a clever through ball. One-on-one with Sivera, he struck his shot with conviction, only for the Alavés goalkeeper to produce a stunning reflex save that kept the scores level. It was a moment of brilliance from Sivera, but for our fans, it was another agonizing near-miss in a season that has been defined by fine margins. As the clock ticked down, both teams sensed that a single moment could decide the outcome, and the tension in the stadium was palpable.
In the final minutes, the game opened up, with Alavés growing bolder on the counterattack and our players throwing bodies forward in search of a winner. Substitutions followed, with Manu Bueno and Juanlu making way as Caparrós sought to shore up the midfield while maintaining an attacking threat. Alavés, buoyed by their equalizer, looked dangerous on the break, with Guridi and Tenaglia combining to stretch our defense. Yet it was our side that would have the final say, or so it seemed, as Suso conjured a moment of magic in the dying seconds. Cutting inside from the right, he wrong-footed his marker and found himself with a clear sight of goal, the entire stadium rising in anticipation of a dramatic victory. With the goal gaping, Suso struck the ball cleanly, but his effort sailed agonizingly over the crossbar, a miss that encapsulated the frustration of the evening. The final whistle blew moments later, confirming a draw that felt like a defeat given the chances we had squandered. For the players, there was a mixture of exhaustion and disappointment as they trudged off the pitch, knowing they had let two points slip through their fingers. Suso, in particular, cut a dejected figure, his head bowed as he reflected on what might have been. For the fans, the overriding sentiment was one of pride in the team’s effort but frustration at their inability to convert dominance into three points.
As we look ahead to the next challenge, Thursday’s trip to El Sadar looms large. The return of Kike Salas from suspension will bolster our defensive options, providing a timely boost as we prepare to face a formidable opponent. However, the absence of Gudelj, who picked up a yellow card in the dying stages of the match, will be a significant blow. His combative presence in midfield has been a cornerstone of our recent performances, and his suspension will force Caparrós to rethink his approach. The draw against Alavés, while disappointing, offers valuable lessons as we navigate a demanding schedule. Our ability to control games and create chances is undeniable, but the recurring issue of conceding in stoppage time must be addressed if we are to turn promising performances into consistent results. For now, the focus shifts to recovery and preparation, with the players determined to channel their frustration into a positive response on the road. The season is still young, and while moments like Suso’s late miss will sting, they also serve as a reminder of the fine margins that define football at this level. With the support of the fans and the guidance of Caparrós, there is every reason to believe that this team can rise to the challenges ahead and turn draws into victories.
