Caparrós's Return: A Sevilla Rollercoaster
So, Joaquín Caparrós was back at Sevilla FC. The big return on April 20th, 2025, against Deportivo Alavés. Everyone was buzzing, you know? High expectations, a tense atmosphere… and it ended in a 1-1 draw. Honestly, who saw that coming?
A Dream Start, Then… Uh Oh
Sevilla started like gangbusters. Young Gerard Fernández, “Peque,” scored his first ever LaLiga goal! A cracking header, a pinpoint cross from Agoumé – the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán was electric. We were all thinking, "This is it! The turnaround begins!" But then… you know how sometimes things just spiral? Alavés, desperate to avoid relegation themselves, weren't about to roll over. They fought tooth and nail, and right before halftime, Kike García popped up with an equalizer. 1-1 at the break. It was the third time in four matches Sevilla had conceded a late first-half goal – a pretty glaring defensive weakness, if you ask me.
The second half was a much tighter affair. Sevilla brought on Suso and Saúl to try and inject some life into the attack, but Alavés were dangerous on the counter. Suso even had a golden chance right at the death, but his shot sailed over the bar. Missed opportunities haunted us, and a point was all we could manage.
The Numbers Don't Lie (But They Don't Tell the Whole Story)
Here's the quick rundown of the stats:
| Statistic | Sevilla | Alavés |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 63% | 37% |
| Successful Passes | 25 | 45 |
| Fouls Committed | 3 | 2 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 3 |
Possession didn't translate into goals, which is often the case, isn't it? It felt a bit like watching a slow-motion train wreck, especially considering the amount of possession Sevilla had.
More Than Just a Game
Caparrós's return was huge. The club's been in turmoil – both on and off the pitch. There were fan protests before the match, adding to the already intense pressure. Despite the draw, Caparrós seemed determined. He praised the team's effort, but also emphasized the need for consistency. Easier said than done, I’d imagine.
With seven games left, Sevilla (15th) and Alavés (17th) are neck and neck in the relegation battle. This draw leaves both fighting for every point. Sevilla's next game against Osasuna is absolutely crucial. For Alavés, it’s about building on that hard-earned point.
What's Next? A Fight to the Finish
The Sevilla-Alavés match perfectly summed up the season's struggles. It was a thrilling game, showing both teams' fighting spirit. But it also underlined the need for better consistency and a much stronger defense. Caparrós's leadership and the potential of those young players give Sevilla fans a little hope. But let's be real – the fight for survival is far from over. The next few weeks will be absolutely decisive.
