Atlético de Madrid hit the table at the Sánchez Pizjuán. After two consecutive defeats before the break, one in the Champions League against Leverkusen and another in the league against Real Madrid, the mattress team I needed to recover sensations urgently. The scenario was not the most placid, and the rival had improved remarkably in the last duels, but the pupils of ‘Cholo’ managed to put together an excellent match that, in addition to resulting in three invaluable points, served to vindicate the potential of the squad.
the day that Koke, with 554 matches, became the player with the most games played in the history of Atlético de Madrid, the captain was about to pay tribute to himself with a flag goal in the early stages of the match. The midfielder’s initial idea was to serve a cross, but this was taking effect until Bono was forced to intervene.
This first occasion would mark the beginning of hostilities. Óliver and Isco assumed the creative weight and Sevilla took possession but, except for some Dolberg ride, this did not translate into real danger. Atlético began to gain presence in the opposition field and, taking advantage of some defensive inaccuracies, prowled the goal. Lopetegui was visibly uncomfortable, so he decided to bring on Alex Telles when the clock showed just 28 minutes.
The Brazilian winger was unlucky. As soon as he stepped on the grass, he had to deal with a attack by Marcos Llorente who, without major complications, got rid of his mark to release the electronic with a powerful cross shot.
Sevilla needed to reverse the situation after the break, so Lopetegui brought on Navas and Rakitic. The changes suited the Seville team well, which improved at the start of the second half. However, when the fans began to change the whistles with which they fired their team to applause, Atlético banged on the table.
The second goal was born from a long displacement by Oblak. Carmona was not forceful in the dispute over the ball, so Cunha stole his wallet and gave in to Morata who, with a magnificent Vaseline, sent the ball to the bottom of the net. The goal sank Sevilla, and only Bono’s interventions could prevent greater evils.
There was a threat of reaction from Sevilla in the last section, and En-Nesyri was about to close the gap with a resounding header that Oblak responded with a sensational stretch. This last effort, however, was not considered enough by the fans, who fired their team with a loud whistle.
Datasheet
0- Sevilla: Bond; Carmona, Salas (Navas, 46′), Nianzou (En-Nesyri, 67′), Rekik (Alex Telles, 28′); Gudelj, Delaney (Rakitic, 46′); Lamela, Isco, Óliver (‘Papu’ Gómez, 67′); Dolberg.
2- Atletico Madrid: Oblak; Molina (Joao Felix, 87′), Savic, Gimenez, Reinildo; Llorente, Koke (Kondogbia, 73′), Witsel, Saul (Carrasco, 61′); Cunha (Belt, 73′), Morata (Griezmann, 61′).
GOALS: 0-1 M. 29 Marcos Llorente. 0-2 M. 57 Álvaro Morata.
REFEREE: Of Burgos Bengoetxea (Basque). TA: Isco (11′), Delaney (31′), Gudelj (81’/Witsel (39′), Joao Felix (93′)
ESTADIO: Sanchez Pizjuan. 37,754 spectators.
