Rakitic celebrates his goal against Alavés

Match reports

2-2: A POINT WHEN IT SEEMED IT WOULDN'T BE OUR NIGHT

20/11/2021

Sevilla managed to get a draw in injury time against Alavés in a game marked by the torrential rain and a decision by VAR on the break of half time

Another rainy and strange day in Nervión. Sevilla came into the game looking for their sixth win in a row at home in the league against a rejuvenated Alavés but a negative start, even with an Ocampos equaliser, and decisions by VAR gave way to a challenging second half. The ball would barely roll on the pitch with the downpour that happened just before half time but Sevilla never gave up and would get their reward in injury time with a goal from Rakitić. There was even time for Munir to almost get the winner, but Pacheco stopped the ball on the line.

Sevilla started strongly and Idrissi got an early shot off against Pacheco following a pass from Óliver. Joselu had the first shot for the away side which Bono parried away for a corner, but that wasn't the end of the danger. Joselu whipped the ball in and Laguardia put a free header into the back of the net. It was a blow for Sevilla who did not drop their heads and regained control of the game, pushing Alavés into their half. The final ball wouldn't come off though. The first big chance came after some great combination play from Ocampos and Montiel who crossed it into Rafa Mir, whose audacious back heel went just wide of the post. Luis Rioja, on the counter attack, could have made things worse for Sevilla but his shot went wide.

Muñiz Ruiz called for a penalty for Alavés after a VAR review on the brink of half time

Sevilla deserved an equaliser and it would eventually come. Montiel, once more, got down the right and crossed the ball in, picking out Ocampos perfectly who rifled the ball past Pacheco in goal. It came as the heavens began to open, making conditions out on the pitch very complicated. When it seemed that both teams would be heading into the break at 1-1, Muñiz Ruiz had a surprise for Alavés when he called for a penalty following a VAR review. Joselu took it and Bono managed to get something on it, but the ball squirmed under his body and rolled over the line, putting Alavés 2-1 up.

The rain would not stop coming down during the break, which gave way to a very different game in the second half. The water built up on the pitch to the point that the ball would barely move at some points. That, coupled with Edgar almost scoring Alavés' third with their first attack of the half, showed that Sevilla had it all to do. Sevilla responded with a free-kick taken by Rakitić who came on at half time, alongside Suso. Unfortunately, the winger had to be taken off shortly after following an injury and Lopetegui responded by bringing on Papu Gómez and Acuña. The only option was to play long into the box, while Alavés attempted the odd counter attack. In one such attack, Edgar again got up and almost ended the game.

In the second half, the ball would not move on certain areas of the pitch

Lopetegui used up his last remaining sub with Munir and the team went on the attack to try and get something from the game. It would come, but we would have to wait until the second minute of injury time. After chances for Ocampos, Rakitić himself and Rafa Mir, the Croatian fired a low shot past Pacheco. The game was not over yet and Sevilla had one more chance when Munir almost headed in a winner.

Sevilla win a point that moves them to top of the league for the moment, but that presumably won't be enough to stay there come Monday. But, with the cushion gained after the derby win, we will remain in the top three no matter what. The next league match will be away to Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabéu. Before that, however, we have the crunch Champions League fixture at home against Wolfsburg.

GAME SUMMARY

2. SEVILLA FC: Bono, Montiel (Papu Gómez, 68'), Koundé, Diego Carlos, Augustinsson (Suso, 46') [Munir, 68'), Fernando, Joan Jordán, Óliver Torres (Rakitic, 46'), Ocampos, Idrissi (Acuña, 54') and Rafa Mir.

2. DEPORTIVO ALAVÉS: Pacheco, Aguirregabiria, Laguardia, Lejeune, Rubén Duarte, Loum (Pina, 59'), Pere Pons (Miguel, 85'), Toni Moya, Edgar (Miazga, 73'), Rioja (Manu García, 85') and Joselu.

GOALS: 0-1, 5': Laguardia; 1-1, 37': Ocampos; 1-2, 45+7': Joselu; 2-2, 90+2': Rakitic.

REFEREE: Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz. Yellows for Loum, Duarte, Edgar, Miazga, Ocampos, Rafa Mir. Sending off for Pablo Sanz, Sevilla assistant manager.