4-3: A TOUGH DEFEAT AT MENDIZORROZA

Our winless start to the season continues after a 4-3 defeat against newly-promoted Deportivo Alavés at Mendizorroza.

Alavés took the lead early on, but Sevilla managed to turn the game on its head and lead before half time, but were immediately pegged back. A brace from Kike García gave the hosts an unassailable lead, with Rafa Mir's stunning stoppage-time goal turning out to be a consolation. 

Despite a positive start from Mendilibar's side, it was Alavés who took the lead with their first chance. Kike Salas' clearance was intercepted on the right-hand side, and Alavés smartly worked the ball over to the other flank. It came to Luis Rioja, who found the bottom corner from distance.

The lead did not last long, however, thanks to a stroke of luck. Lamela's attempt from a corner was clearly going wide, but was inadvertently diverted past Sivera by Abqar. 

The hosts had a series of chances, with Alkain, Kike García, Guridi and Rioja all going close. However, it was Sevilla who would take the lead. Just a few minutes after hitting the post, Lamela took full advantage of Ocampos' lay-off and scored with a precise finish, going in off the inside of the post and giving Sivera no chance.

Duarte equalised just minutes after Lamela's goal

The team had come from behind just before half time, but the joy was short-lived. Two minutes later, Duarte was the next player to get on the scoresheet from distance, again off the inside of the post.

The momentum had changed, and Alavés would strike twice within fifteen minutes of the restart. Both came from Kike García, the first being a header into the bottom corner, while for his second he rounded Dmitrovic and converted from a tight angle. 

Rafa Mir added a late consolation

The hosts defended in numbers after this point and limited Sevilla to very few chances, the closest of which was a ball into the area by Fernando, but no Sevilla player could stab the ball home.

In the 97th minute, Rafa Mir did manage to pull one back with a remarkable strike from outside of the left-hand side of the area, finding the far top corner, but, with just over a minute remaining of stoppage time, there was no time for the team to create a chance for an unlikely equaliser.

The team remain on zero points, and will look to get their first result of the season on Saturday night at home to Girona.