Sevilla's Copa del Rey nightmare continued on a freezing night in Vitoria-Gasteiz as Deportivo Alavés secured a 1-0 victory at Mendizorroza to reach the Round of 16. Carlos Vicente's nerveless penalty in the 78th minute proved the difference as Matías Almeyda's side crashed out of the competition for the second consecutive year at the Round of 32 stage.
A familiar tale of cup frustration for Sevilla
For a club that has lifted the Copa del Rey five times, Sevilla's recent record in the competition makes for painful reading. Last season it was UD Almería who ended their hopes at this stage. This time, it was Eduardo Coudet's organised Alavés who inflicted the damage.
The defeat means Sevilla will have to wait until autumn 2026 to compete in a tournament they once dominated. The cruel irony? The final will be played at La Cartuja in their home city of Seville – a venue they won't be visiting in April.
First half: Alavés control but chances prove elusive
Coudet surprised many by selecting a strong starting XI featuring regulars Jonny, Tenaglia, Pacheco, Blanco, and Ibáñez – a departure from typical cup rotation. The decision reflected the importance of this tie to the Basque club.
Alavés dominated possession from the first whistle, their intensity contrasting sharply with Sevilla's cautious five-at-the-back approach under Almeyda. Yet clear-cut opportunities remained scarce against the visitors' organised defensive block.
The hosts suffered a significant blow on 22 minutes when Jonny Otto limped off with an adductor problem, forcing tactical adjustments. Protesoni entered at centre-back, with Tenaglia shifting to right-back.
Sevilla's only meaningful first-half threat came through Oso, whose delivery from the left flank created problems. Isaac Romero headed one cross over from a promising position, but the visitors largely remained content to frustrate rather than attack.
Vlachodimos keeps Sevilla alive – until he couldn't
The second half brought Alavés' best football of the evening. Odysseas Vlachodimos in the Sevilla goal was forced into action repeatedly, producing one remarkable save to deny Protesoni from close range following a corner.
Carlos Vicente tested the Greek goalkeeper, who parried away, before José Carmona cleared off the line in what appeared a certain goal. Sevilla were hanging on, their attacking threat non-existent against a home side scenting blood.
Almeyda introduced Mendy and Agoumé in search of control, and briefly the changes seemed to work. Isaac Romero forced Raúl Fernández into action, offering a rare glimpse of Sevilla ambition.
The decisive moment: Castrín's costly error
With 78 minutes on the clock, the tie was decided by a moment of frustration. Castrín, unable to reach a through ball, clipped Lucas Boyé inside the area. The referee pointed to the spot without hesitation.
Carlos Vicente stepped up with ice in his veins. Vlachodimos guessed correctly, diving to his right, but the striker's placement was too precise – the ball finding the net despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it.
Mendizorroza erupted. Alavés had their goal, and Sevilla had their familiar Copa del Rey heartbreak.
Injury concerns compound Alavés' satisfaction
Victory came at a cost for Coudet's side. Beyond Jonny's first-half withdrawal, Lucas Boyé – the penalty winner – was also forced off with an apparent muscular issue. The Argentine's involvement proved decisive before his exit.
Despite these concerns, Alavés advance to the Round of 16 draw on January 7th, where they could face LaLiga or Segunda División opposition. For a club that suffered first-round embarrassment against Deportiva Minera last season, this represents meaningful progress.
Almeyda's rebuild hits another obstacle
The defeat raises further questions about Sevilla's trajectory under Almeyda. Already depleted by injuries to Azpilicueta, Nianzou, Kike Salas, and Marcao in defence, the Argentine coach struggled to find attacking solutions against a well-organised opponent.
Akor Adams, so impressive in last weekend's 4-0 demolition of Real Oviedo, was largely anonymous. Chidera Ejuke offered flashes but no end product. The gulf between Sevilla's home form and away performances remains a persistent concern.
For the five-time Copa del Rey winners, the wait for a sixth title extends into another year – and the questions about their direction grow louder with each passing setback.
Alavés: Raúl Fernández; Tenaglia, Lekhedim, Pacheco, Protesoni (Jonny 22'), Mañas; Blanco, Aleñá, Ibáñez; Carlos Vicente, Toni Martínez (Boyé 62', Guridi 82').
Sevilla: Vlachodimos; Juanlu (Miguel Sierra 75'), Castrín, Cardoso, Gudelj, Oso; Manu Bueno (Agoumé 65'), Sow (Mendy 65'); Peque, Alfon; Isaac Romero.
Goal: Carlos Vicente 78' (pen)
