Sevilla seizes control in three-goal thriller: Alavés undone by lead changes and substitute brilliance

Sehenswert Futmetrix-Wertung: 60/100. This six-pointer between two mid-table rivals became a masterclass in tactical execution, where intensity and constant momentum shifts decided who would climb the table.

Vargas draws first blood, but Vicente restores balance from the spot

Sevilla struck with surgical precision. R. Vargas opened the scoring in the 10th minute, setting a frantic tempo that seemed to favor the visitors. Alavés, however, refused to wilt. By the 17th minute, Carlos Vicente converted a penalty with clinical composure, restoring balance to a match that promised fireworks.

Sánchez and Carmona seal the comeback in the second half

The crunch match reached its inflection point in the 67th minute. A. Sánchez, introduced from the bench in the 14th minute, struck with devastating effect after a layoff from J. A. Carmona. The substitute's clinical finish transformed Sevilla from chaser to hunter, leaving Alavés gasping as the upset factor evaporated entirely.

The stakes: Two mid-table sides fighting for relevance

What's at stake here transcends the scoreline. Sevilla (9th, 7 points) and Alavés (10th, 7 points) are locked in a relegation-battle mentality despite their league position. Sevilla's possession dominance (52%) and lethal transition play proved decisive. Alavés, despite eight shots, lacked the clinical edge needed—Vicente's penalty notwithstanding.

The intensity rating of 9.5/10 tells the story: three lead changes, a penalty-kick drama, and a super-sub moment that swung the balance decisively. This is La Liga unfiltered—ruthless, competitive, and unforgiving. Sevilla's victory wasn't pretty, but it was earned through tactical acumen and clinical finishing when it mattered most.