Sevilla failed to take advantage of their rivals in the Primera Liga and only drew a 0-0 draw away to Real Sociedad, extending the lead to leaders Barcelona to four points.
Sevilla had a chance to take second place and narrow the gap with Barcelona to two points, but failed in a few games and missed badly injured strikers Wissam Benidar and André Silva, who scored 12 of 22 goals for the Andalucians in the league this season.
Sevilla's second-seeded striker Sandro Ramirez missed the most dangerous chance for Sociedad after being shot out of the net by solitary.
Sevilla are second with 20 points, equal to Atletico Madrid, who drew 1-1 at hosts Legianis on Saturday, and Alves, who lost 2-1 away to home side Basque Ibar with a header from Babe Diop in stoppage time.
Barcelona lead the standings with 24 points after a 3-2 win over struggling Rayo Vijcano. Espanyol may be ahead of Sevilla if they beat Athletic Bilbao on Monday.
In other matches, the newcomer Weska missed an opportunity to win his first win since the opening round after Jorge Molina scored a stoppage time to give Getafe a 1-1 draw.
Villarreal and coach Khabi Kajja have increased after a 1-1 draw at home to Levante, just one point ahead of the relegation zone.
