Sivera Saves Point for Alavés in Goalless Draw Against Sevilla

Deportivo Alavés ended a run of eight matches without a win at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, securing a hard-fought 0-0 draw against a Sevilla FC side that struggled to find its attacking rhythm. The result sees Alavés extend its run without a win at the stadium while Sevilla’s performance in attack lacked inspiration.

The match, played in front of 38,803 spectators at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, was a tightly contested affair characterized by few clear-cut chances and a cautious approach from both teams in the latter stages. The primary talking point of the first half was a missed penalty opportunity for Sevilla, which could have given the home side a decisive lead.

Alavés made an assertive start to the game, demonstrating their intent to secure a result. In the third minute, a well-coordinated attacking move orchestrated by the visitors’ full-backs saw Ángel Pérez advance down the right flank. His cross found Yusi, who appeared at the far post but could only direct his header wide of the target.

Vargas Misses Penalty in First Half

The first significant chance of the game fell to Sevilla in the 30th minute. A foul by Alavés defender Ángel Pérez on Félix inside the penalty area presented the home team with a golden opportunity to take the lead. Up stepped Vargas to take the spot-kick. However, his powerful but poorly-placed strike was comfortably saved by Alavés goalkeeper Sivera, who made the crucial stop.

As described, the game became a “trabado, áspero” (tough, rugged) affair with few dangerous opportunities for either side as the half progressed.

Sevilla’s Pressure and Alavés’s Resilience

Upon the restart, Sevilla intensified its pressure, pinning Alavés back in their own half. The visitors found it difficult to string together passes under the relentless local press. A turnover in midfield led to a chance for Sevilla, as a stolen ball by Suazo was crossed into the area. Iglesias met it with a downward header, forcing Sivera into a sharp save and a corner.

Sevilla’s best moment came shortly after. A loose ball in the Alavés penalty area fell to Iglesias, whose shot beat the goalkeeper but was saved on the line by Ibáñez. The reprieve was short-lived. From the resulting play, a rapid Alavés counter-attack saw Félix receive the ball from Isaac, cut inside, and curl a shot with his right foot that narrowly missed the post, a near-moment that showcased the visitors’ threat on the break.

Benavídez Shoots Wide Late On

Alavés had a scare of its own in the 73rd minute. A poorly defended corner kick led to a scramble in Sevilla’s penalty area. Benavídez found space and shot from a promising position, but his attempt was skewed across the face of goal, failing to test the keeper. Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas had to make a crucial block at the striker’s feet to prevent a goal.

As the match entered its final stages, both teams appeared to prioritize avoiding defeat over securing a win. Sevilla displayed visible fatigue, while Alavés, under guidance from their manager, adopted a more conservative approach. This mutual caution ensured that the game concluded without any further alarms for either goalkeeper, with the 0-0 scoreline reflecting the overall balance of play.

Referee Issues Five Yellow Cards

The match was officiated by referee Luis Bestard Servera, who issued yellow cards to Sevilla’s Sangante in the 47th minute and to Alavés’s Ibáñez in the 31st, Toni Martínez in the 63rd, and Valentini in the 64th. The game was part of the twelfth round of LaLiga EA Sports.

Before kickoff, the footballer from Tenerife Jesús de Miguel, who passed away the previous Tuesday, received various tributes during the pre-match and during the match. The match started with various homenajes for the late Jesús de Miguel, with a game that was significant for Alavés’s form and Sevilla’s ongoing struggles.

More on this story: Sevilla Held 0-0 by Alavés After Missed Chances

More on Sevilla: Sevilla FC faces suspension crisis with four red cards · Sevilla's Stassin and Ure struggle for goals after summer arrivals · Sevilla Atlético 1-1 Salerm Puente Genil: Honours Even After Red Cards in Segunda RFEF