Koke celebrates history as Atletico add to Sevilla misery
The focus was firmly on the two respective managers prior to the contest at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán following underwhelming starts to the season for either side. After losing 2-1 to local rivals Real Madrid before the international break, Simeone was looking for a reaction from his players, and he certainly witnessed a positive response in the opening 45 minutes. Marcos Llorente and Álvaro Morata signalled the visitors’ intent despite their early half chances failing to hit the target.
With Sevilla on the ropes, Atlético took advantage of their floundering hosts to take a deserved lead moments before the half-hour mark, with Koke marking his momentous day with an assist. The history maker found Marcos Llorente on the edge of the box with a lofted pass, before the 27-year-old quickly moved the ball out of his feet to find the bottom corner with a precise finish, ensuring the Colchoneros took a precious lead into HT.
Although Sevilla started the second half on the front foot, a defensive error handed the visitors’ full control of the contest in the 57th minute. Matheus Cunha pounced on José Ángel Carmona’s mistake to poke the ball into the path of Morata, who superbly lifted the ball over a despondent Bono. As jeers and whistles began to ring around the stadium, Cunha attempted to grab a goal of his own, but his stinging effort was smartly saved.
Youssef En-Nesyri had a superb chance to provide his side with a lifeline, but his firm header was beaten away by Jan Oblak, who preserved Atlético’s clean sheet with a fine stop. The victory moves the visitors into fifth place, while the pressure mounts on Julen Lopetegui with one point separating Sevilla from the relegation zone.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid)
