Sevilla seizes control in three-goal thriller: Alavés undone by lead changes and substitute brilliance
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 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.
Key Questions
How did the penalty shift the momentum?
Vicente's 17th-minute conversion restored balance after Vargas's early strike, keeping Alavés alive when they could have collapsed mentally.
What made Sánchez's impact decisive?
Introduced in minute 14, Sánchez scored at 67—proving Sevilla's bench depth and tactical flexibility overwhelmed Alavés' defensive structure.
Why do three lead changes define this match?
Each goal represented a different narrative: Vargas's early dominance, Vicente's resilience, and Sánchez's clinical execution—La Liga in microcosm.
Why is this match rated 60/100?
Our Futmetrix algorithm analyzed intensity, balance, and stakes. The final score of 60/100 places this match in the "Worth Watching" category.
