The stage is set for a thrilling knockout clash in the Copa del Rey as Alaves take on Sevilla at the Estadio Mendizorrotza this December 17, 2025. This match isn't just about progressing in a prestigious cup; it's a battle of contrasting philosophies and tactical styles that can either propel or derail each team's aspirations for silverware this season.
Predicted Lineups
Alaves: GK: Antonio Sivera, DEF: Victor Parada, Jon Pacheco, Nahuel Tenaglia, Jonny Otto, MID: Ander Guevara, Abderrahman Rebbach, Denis Suárez, Carlos Vicente, FWD: Lucas Boyé, Toni Martínez. Sevilla: GK: Odysseas Vlachodimos, DEF: José Ángel Carmona, César Azpilicueta, Marcão, Juanlu Sánchez, MID: Djibril Sow, Batista Mendy, Alfon González; FWD: Akor Adams, Ruben Vargas.
For both teams navigating the murky waters of form and morale-this is an encounter that could make or break their respective seasons. Alaves arrive after a narrow win over Real Sociedad (1-0), showcasing their tenacity with limited possession but high defensive discipline. However, their previous two league matches against stronger opponents ended in defeats-an indication they may struggle against top-tier talent when pushed to their limits. On the flip side, Sevilla's recent draw against Valencia was more disappointing than inspiring after back-to-back league losses to rivals like Real Betis and Espanyol left them searching for answers and momentum. The urgency here cannot be overstated; failure to advance could send shockwaves through their already fragile confidence.
Examining recent performance trends reveals striking contrasts between the two sides' styles of play. Alaves typically plays a compact game characterized by resilience; in their last five matches they averaged just 39% possession but held strong defensively-a testament to their grit under pressure. Their win over Portugalete in the earlier round shows they have potential scorers like Carlos Vicente stepping up when it counts. Contrast that with Sevilla's commanding yet often sterile dominance in ball possession (averaging 61% over their last five games), where they regularly outshoot opponents yet seem bogged down by poor finishing-registering only four shots on target against Valencia despite a plethora of chances created.
Digging deeper into statistics tells us much about where this match will hinge. Alaves may yield more possession but they're efficient-highlighted by a remarkable expected goals (xG) tally of 1.43 from their victory over Real Sociedad compared to Sevilla's anemic showing of just 0.32 xG against Valencia despite controlling play for much of the match. If Alaves can frustrate Sevilla and capitalize on any lapses in concentration-their knack for quick counters can potentially exploit any space left by Sevilla's push-forward tactics.
Key players will undoubtedly influence the outcome as well-Lucas Boyé's industrious work ethic has seen him bag crucial goals recently while Sevilla's threats lie heavily on Ruben Vargas and Akor Adams providing attacking impetus while balancing defensive duties from midfielders like Djibril Sow who leads with significant tackles won per game. Expect tight encounters when these battle-hardened players face off; both sets will want to dominate not just scorelines but also vital metrics like duels won and pass accuracy throughout this contest.
Looking closer at player contributions reveals another layer of tension building ahead of kick-off; while Alaves players are hardly dazzling individually-none boast higher than average ratings compared to notable talents within Sevilla whose squad boasts multiple stars performing above average even amid tough stretches such as César Azpilicueta's veteran presence shining through shaky performances elsewhere.
Both teams must adapt quickly based on how play unfolds because tactical adjustments could prove pivotal-especially if either side looks lethargic following high pressing situations that result in turnovers around midfield areas where skillful transitions usually lead directly toward goal-scoring opportunities or careless mistakes that allow counterattacks downfield dangerously close toward keeper areas.
What we have is not simply a football match-it's a microcosm reflecting the unpredictable tapestry which makes football so gloriously captivating! On one hand lies an underdog striving against all odds fueled by resilient energy whilst across stands fiery ambition complemented through collective experience navigating illustrious pressures simmering within larger competitions simultaneously fighting for respect not only among fans but themselves too!
Ultimately my prediction leans towards something compelling; expect intensity from kickoff with both clubs looking primed to express themselves beyond early jitters signaling escalation soon enough-a "smash-and-grab" victory for Alaves seems plausible if they convert half-chances into goals while exploiting moments when Sevilla underestimates opponents lurking nearby capitalizing cleverly upon cracks revealed under fatigue laden efforts driven out onto pitch post-mundane standoffs until final whistle sounds its bittersweet tune!