Alaves Stuns Sevilla with Gritty 1-0 Victory in Copa del Rey Upset

Alaves' resilience shone through as they edged past Sevilla 1-0, marking a significant upset in the Copa del Rey. This victory not only propels Alaves into the next round but also raises questions about Sevilla's current form and tactical approach.

Alaves showcased a remarkable turnaround from their recent form, which included a narrow defeat to Real Madrid just days prior. Despite that loss, Alaves displayed tenacity and tactical discipline, evident in their ability to control possession against Sevilla with 64% ball retention. This marked a stark contrast to their previous matches where they often struggled to maintain the ball against stronger opponents. The midfield duo of Carles Aleñá and Antonio Blanco orchestrated play effectively, allowing Alaves to dictate the tempo and frustrate Sevilla's attempts to build momentum.

Sevilla's recent performances have been inconsistent, highlighted by their inability to convert possession into meaningful chances. Despite dominating possession in their last five matches, averaging 61%, they often fell short in terms of shots on target. Against Alaves, they managed only two shots on goal, a continuation of their struggles in front of goal. The reliance on players like Akor Adams and Ruben Vargas to provide attacking impetus has not yielded the expected results, leaving Sevilla searching for answers as they face mounting pressure.

The match's turning point came with a penalty awarded to Alaves in the 79th minute, converted by Carlos Vicente. This moment encapsulated Alaves' ability to capitalize on limited opportunities, contrasting sharply with Sevilla's failure to convert their possession into goals. Alaves' expected goals (xG) from this match stood at 1.12, a testament to their efficiency in front of goal compared to Sevilla's meager 0.32 xG against Valencia in their previous outing.

Defensively, Alaves excelled, limiting Sevilla's chances and showcasing a solid backline led by Jon Pacheco and Nahuel Tenaglia. Their ability to absorb pressure and transition quickly into counter-attacks proved crucial in securing the win. The defensive discipline displayed by Alaves was a stark reminder of their potential when playing against higher-ranked teams, as seen in their recent victory over Real Sociedad.

Sevilla's tactical setup under coach Matias Almeyda has come under scrutiny following this defeat. The 5-4-1 formation, designed to provide defensive stability, failed to yield the desired attacking output. The lack of creativity in midfield was evident, with Djibril Sow unable to influence the game significantly. This match raises questions about whether Sevilla needs to reassess their approach moving forward, especially with key fixtures on the horizon.

Alaves' victory not only boosts their confidence but also serves as a reminder of their potential in knockout competitions. The win against Sevilla is a significant milestone for coach Eduardo Coudet, who has instilled a fighting spirit within the squad. Players like Carlos Vicente, who has emerged as a key figure for Alaves, continue to deliver when it matters most, reinforcing his status as a player to watch.

The implications of this result extend beyond just progression in the Copa del Rey; it highlights the fragility of Sevilla's current form and raises concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level. With mounting pressure from fans and media alike, Almeyda must find solutions quickly to avoid further setbacks.

Alaves' triumph serves as a reminder that in football, resilience and tactical discipline can often triumph over star power and possession-based play. As they look ahead to the next round, Alaves will aim to build on this momentum while Sevilla must regroup and reassess if they are to salvage their season amidst growing uncertainty.