In a match filled with anticipation and tension, Joaquín Caparrós made his much-anticipated return to the Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium as Sevilla FC faced Deportivo Alavés on April 20, 2025. The game, part of the 32nd matchday of the Primera División, ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving both teams with mixed feelings as they continue to navigate their respective struggles this season.
Caparrós, stepping into his fourth tenure as Sevilla's head coach, included Ramón Martínez, a promising player from the youth academy, in his starting lineup. Martínez's inclusion was a significant move, especially with Kike Salas suspended after receiving a yellow card in the previous match against Valencia. Caparrós expressed confidence in his squad, stating, "I've seen a lot of predisposition, great quality, and desire from the team during the week of training."
The match kicked off with Sevilla showing a renewed sense of purpose. They quickly took the lead thanks to a well-placed header from Gerard Fernández, known as 'Peque', who found the back of the net in the 12th minute after a precise cross from Lucién Agoumé. This early goal seemed to energize the home crowd, who were eager for a much-needed victory following a string of disappointing results.
However, the joy was short-lived. Alavés, determined to make their mark, responded with vigor. Their persistence paid off just before halftime when Kike García capitalized on a defensive lapse in the Sevilla box, scoring the equalizer in the 45+1 minute. This goal not only disrupted Sevilla's momentum but also highlighted the defensive frailties that have plagued the team throughout the season.
As the second half commenced, Sevilla struggled to regain control. Despite making several substitutions, including bringing on Suso and Saúl, the team failed to create significant scoring opportunities. Caparrós, who had previously stated, "It's not the moment to make experiments or trials," found himself frustrated as his tactical adjustments did not yield the desired results.
Alavés, under the guidance of coach Eduardo Coudet, appeared more confident and composed on the ball. They had several chances to take the lead, but missed opportunities kept the scoreline level. Sevilla's defense, while initially solid, began to show cracks as the match wore on, allowing Alavés to assert themselves in key moments.
Caparrós's decision to field a more pragmatic approach with a double forward line was initially effective, but as the game progressed, Sevilla seemed to revert to their old habits of indecision and missed chances. One of the clearest opportunities came when Dodi Lukebakio found himself in a prime position but failed to convert, shooting directly at Alavés goalkeeper Antonio Sivera.
Throughout the match, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans passionately supporting their team despite ongoing protests against the club's management. Caparrós acknowledged the situation, saying, "The atmosphere inside the stadium will be spectacular, despite what happens outside. Our fans have the right to express themselves, but I am convinced they will support the players during the match."
As the final whistle blew, the 1-1 draw left both teams unsatisfied. Sevilla remained entrenched in the relegation battle, having not won at home since mid-December, while Alavés continued their search for points to distance themselves from the relegation zone. The result marked Sevilla's fourth consecutive match without a win, a streak that Caparrós will need to address swiftly if he hopes to turn the team's fortunes around.
The match statistics reflected a game of missed opportunities, with Sevilla having more possession but failing to translate that into clear-cut chances. The players' performances varied, with Peque's goal being a highlight, but the overall inconsistency remained a concern for Caparrós.
In his post-match comments, Caparrós reiterated the need for improvement, stating, "We need to recover and grasp the concepts to exploit our qualities and reduce our defects. The next match is what we focus on now." His focus on the immediate future suggests that while the past may be troubling, there is still hope for a turnaround.
Looking ahead, Sevilla will need to regroup and address their defensive vulnerabilities while finding a way to harness the offensive potential that was evident in the early stages of the match. With a mix of youth and experience, Caparrós's squad has the tools to succeed, but they must find consistency and resilience as they face the challenges ahead.
The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for Sevilla as they aim to secure their place in the league and avoid the drop. The fans remain hopeful that Caparrós's experience and tactical acumen will lead the team back to winning ways, but time is of the essence as the season approaches its climax.
Overall, the draw against Alavés serves as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for Sevilla. With Caparrós at the helm, the team must find a way to channel the energy of their supporters and transform it into positive results on the pitch.
