Can you imagine a team that has lifted the European League trophy six times in ten years being utterly defeated by a second-tier team in the King's Cup, ending with a humiliating 1:4 loss and elimination? This isn't just an upset in a video game; it's a real-life match! In January 2025, during the third round of the King's Cup, Sevilla was thrashed 4-1 by Almeria, the top team in the second division. From the start of the match, Sevilla's "aristocratic" demeanor was shattered by their opponents. This defeat not only halted Sevilla's progress in the King's Cup at the third round but also raised questions about how quickly and severely this once-great La Liga team had fallen.
As fans, seeing such a score is both surprising and heart-wrenching. The once-inspirational Sevilla is now more like a laughingstock in a movie, being trounced by a second-tier team. So, what did Almeria do right, and what did Sevilla do wrong? Let's discuss these points one by one.
To put it bluntly, victory is never just about paper strength. Almeria, the top team in the second division, is no pushover. Despite playing in a lower league, they have been performing exceptionally well this season, consistently topping the league table. The statistics speak for themselves; their offensive efficiency and defensive resilience are among the best in the second division. Their performance in the King's Cup is simply a reflection of their usual standard.
During the match, Almeria's attacking prowess was impressive, especially with forward Luis Suarez scoring a hat-trick, which effectively turned Sevilla's defense into a sieve. Interestingly, this Suarez is not the infamous Uruguayan who bit his opponents but a player with the same name and a similarly fierce style, dubbed "Suarez No. 2." What kind of highlights did he create? He scored in the chaos shortly after the game began, followed by a classic header for his second goal, and then a low shot for his third. If this were a grand slam event, this hat-trick would be enough to grab headlines!
Almeria's victory was not solely due to Suarez but also to their calm strategy of "waiting for the right moment." They did not focus on possession but instead capitalized on Sevilla's laxity and weaknesses, using quick counterattacks and ferocious pressing to deliver a fatal blow. They played a textbook match, perfectly demonstrating what is meant by "great wisdom from a small team." With such performances and hopes for promotion, this second-division powerhouse is not just a dark horse but could be a rising star in La Liga's future.
On the other hand, Sevilla's loss was truly ugly. This failure was not a fluke but rather the culmination of long-term issues.
The once-great Sevilla rose to the top of the European stage with efficient recruitment and exquisite tactics. Who can forget their glory days from 2014 to 2016 when they won the Europa League three times in a row? However, behind this glorious achievement lay high pressure and exhaustion. In recent seasons, their performance has steadily declined: 13th in La Liga in the 2022/23 season, 11th in the 2023/24 season, and this season, their league points have dropped to 14th place. Where is the shadow of a "giant" in this state?
The management is also culpable, with transfer decision-making errors leading to a weak midfield, a struggling front line, and even financial pressure. Add to that the coach's stubborn tactics and lack of rotation, resulting in players' subpar on-field performance. The whole team is like a car that stalls halfway, looking shiny on the outside but with worn-out parts inside.
Taking this King's Cup match as an example, facing Almeria's high-pressure tactics, Sevilla was caught off guard. Their loose backline was like an open invitation, almost begging the opponent to charge through the middle. Behind the lopsided score lies significant managerial flaws and tactical deficiencies.
Honestly, this "David vs. Goliath" matchup is not unique. Every year in cup competitions, there are always "giant killers" who emerge. Events like the English FA Cup and Spanish King's Cup are hotbeds for upsets. Top teams often underestimate their opponents or don't prioritize cup matches, giving lower-tier teams opportunities to create miracles. Almeria's big win here perfectly illustrates the unique charm of cup competitions.
Looking back at similar stories in recent years: In 2021, an amateur team eliminated the powerful Borussia Mönchengladbach in the German FA Cup; in the English FA Cup, lower-tier team Lincoln City defeated several Premier League teams to reach the quarterfinals. These tales not only captivate fans but also repeatedly remind top teams not to take cup matches lightly just because they have a strong lineup.
Because on the football field, paper strength does not automatically translate into victory. What truly matters are fighting spirit, focus, and adaptability on the pitch. In this match, Almeria gave it their all, while Sevilla appeared exhausted. It's no wonder they lost!
Of course, Sevilla's tragedy is only part of the story. In the third round of the King's Cup, some traditional giants showed different faces, such as Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who managed to hold their ground.
Barcelona faced a lower-tier team, Bawastro, and easily secured a 4:0 victory. Although the outcome of the match was never in doubt, this victory held significant meaning for Barcelona. The team has not been in great form recently, slipping from the top to third place in the league, with internal issues gradually surfacing. After this big win, the crisis within the team seems to have been temporarily alleviated, but whether they can maintain their form and reverse their decline remains to be seen.
As for Atletico Madrid, we all know that they rely not on big-money investments but on meticulous management and a defensive counter-attacking strategy. They advanced to the next round with their consistent stable play. This low-key yet tough performance suggests that the King's Cup may be an important front for them this season.
Sevilla's failure and Almeria's victory are not just a single match in the King's Cup but a reflection of the current state of both teams. One represents hope amidst difficulties, while the other serves as a warning of getting lost in past glory. There are no permanent winners on the football field, nor are there automatic extensions of historical greatness.
No matter how thick the sheepskin, it cannot protect against the precise cut of the blade. Sevilla needs to find its direction quickly, while Almeria, with its rising force, is sure to make bigger waves in the future La Liga arena.
(Disclaimer: The processes and images described in the article are sourced from the internet. This article aims to promote positive social energy without vulgar or inappropriate content. If there are any copyright or personal infringement issues, please contact us immediately, and we will delete the content or make changes as soon as possible. If there are any questionable aspects of the events mentioned, we will delete or modify them upon contact.)