Sebastián Alabanda

Sebastián Alabanda Fernández (31 October 1950 – 10 June 2014) was a Spanish professional footballer who played as a midfielder.

Club career

Born in Posadas, Province of Córdoba, Alabanda spent his first eight seasons as a senior with Real Betis, except for a loan with Rayo Vallecano. With the former club, he made his debut in La Liga on 7 September 1974, starting in a 1–3 away loss against UD Las Palmas.

In 1976–77, Alabanda contributed with 20 games to help the Andalusians finish fifth whilst winning the Copa del Rey, a penalty shootout win against Athletic Bilbao where he missed his attempt after a 2–2 regulation time draw. At the end of the following campaign, however, they suffered relegation.

After leaving Betis in June 1980, with competitive totals of 229 matches and 19 goals, Alabanda signed with fellow league team Real Murcia. He scored three goals in his first year, but could not help prevent relegation.

International career

Alabanda gained one cap for Spain: on 24 April, he came on as a late substitute in a 1–1 friendly draw with West Germany in Madrid.

Later life and death

After retiring, Alabanda worked in banking. On 29 May 2014, he returned to Betis as a counsellor, but died in his home in Seville on 10 June, at the age of 63.

Honours

Betis

• Copa del Rey: 1976–77