Sevilla’s hopes of finishing in LaLiga’s top five suffered another setback as they were held to a goalless draw by Alaves at Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.
The result means Sevilla have won only one of their past eight meetings with Alaves and have managed just one victory in their last six league matches. They remain in the top six before this weekend’s fixtures.
Alaves had the clearest opportunity in the opening stages when Yusi was left unmarked at the far post in the third minute, but he directed his powerful header wide.
Sevilla goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos was then forced to react when Alaves attempted to score directly from a corner. A well-struck free-kick by Gabriel Suazo was also among the visitors’ best efforts during the opening half-hour.
Sevilla were awarded a penalty after Angel Perez was judged to have fouled Felix Correia inside the area on the 30-minute mark. Ruben Vargas took responsibility, looking for his first goal since November last year, but Alaves goalkeeper Antonio Sivera dived to his right to make the save.
It was only the fourth penalty Sivera has saved in his career, and the stop helped keep the game level as Sevilla began to take control. The hosts created further pressure before half-time, but determined defending from Ville Koski and Nicolas Valentini ensured Alaves went into the interval on level terms.
Sevilla continued to dominate after the restart, with Alaves struggling to escape their own half. Lucas Stassin went closest to breaking the deadlock when his downward header from close range was superbly saved by Sivera.
Alaves briefly threatened on the hour when Koski’s looping header caused concern, but the attempt was cleared off the line. Sevilla quickly regained the initiative, and Juan Iglesias appeared to have found a way through with a powerful volley from the edge of the area, only for Pablo Ibanez to produce a crucial goal-line clearance.
Correia then bent an effort wide from a promising position as Sevilla continued to search for a winner.
Despite spending long periods under pressure, Alaves almost snatched victory late on. Carlos Protesoni was presented with an opportunity from six yards, but he sent his low right-footed shot off target.
Both teams continued to attack during the closing stages, yet neither could find the decisive finish.
Alaves remain without an away win this season, with three draws and three defeats from their six matches on the road. They have also failed to win any of their past eight games in all competitions, recording three draws and five losses.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Gabriel Suazo (Sevilla)