Sevilla FC boosted their hopes of survival in La Liga after defeating Atlético Madrid 2-1 at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium, ending a three-game losing streak.
With the focus on the UEFA Champions League quarter-final against FC Barcelona, coach Diego Simeone activated the youngest formation in his La Liga history, including three debutants.
One of them led to a penalty in the opening minutes, after a challenge on Isaac Romero was awarded after a VAR review. Akor Adams converted from the spot to give Sevilla the lead.
Atlético's reaction and immediate response
Atlético equalized in the 35th minute, when debutant Javier Boñar headed home a cross from Julio Díaz.
However, the visitors' celebration was short-lived, as Sevilla captain Nemanja Gudelj restored the lead with a header from a Rubén Vargas corner kick in first-half stoppage time.
Slow pace in the second half
Sevilla came close to a third goal through Isaac Romero, but his effort was blocked by the post. The second half was much quieter, with a lack of chances and no shots on goal from either team.
Three vital points
The victory lifts Sevilla to 15th place, lifting them out of the relegation zone and ending a losing streak against Atlético.
Meanwhile, for Diego Simeone and his team, this loss is not expected to have a major impact on their seasonal objectives, as the gap to the top four remains secure, while the focus shifts to the upcoming clash against Barcelona. /GazetaExpress/