Alvaro Negredo and Alfaro scored the goals as Sevilla defeated Valencia 2-0 in Spain's Monday night game to move into sixth place in the BBVA Primera Liga.
The goals arrived in the second half, but the game changed in the 26th minute when Valencia midfielder Topal was sent off for a direct red card for a late challenge on Sevilla defender Martin Caceres.
Topal was late in the tackle, but had been partially obstructed by Sevilla's Luis Fabiano on his way through to the ball and the red card, shown by referee Iturralde Gonzalez was extremely harsh.
Valencia's problems went from bad to worse when goalkeeper Cesar was sent off just before halftime when he suffered a muscle problem in his right leg. He was replaced by reserve keeper Guaita at the break.
Sevilla coach Gregorio Manzano responded by taking off midfielder Romaric and replacing him with striker Alvaro Negredo and he was rewarded for his ambition when Negredo opened the scoring from close range after Valencia’s substitute was unable to hold a shot from Caceres.
Sevilla assured the points 13 minutes from time when Alfaro rose to head home at the far post following a looping cross from right back Dabo.
The home side almost added a third when Diego Capel hit the post in the last minute of injury time. It would have been harsh on Valencia, who suffered bad luck on the night with both their goalkeeper and also the referee.