Atletico de Madrid sat at Sánchez Pizjuán with a push to rebound after back-to-back losses before the break. A Champions League defeat to Leverkusen and a league setback against Real Madrid had stirred uneasy feelings. Yet the team, guided by the Cholo system, delivered a composed performance that yielded three crucial points and underscored the squad’s potential ahead of tougher weeks.
On that day, Koke reached a remarkable milestone with 554 appearances, becoming the club’s most-capped player in history. The captain seized the moment in the early minutes, weaving a shot that suggested a banner goal could be on the horizon. The attempt was initially set up as a strike from distance, and while it found a path through, it required the intervention of the defensive line to keep the score level for a moment longer.
This opening spell signaled the beginning of a testing night. Óliver and Isco pulled the strings in midfield, while Seville tried to impose themselves. A rare surge from Dolberg was the team’s best early threat, but Atlético began to press higher and capitalized on a couple of missteps in Seville’s defense to nudge ahead. Lopetegui reacted by bringing on Alex Telles around the 28th minute as Seville searched for balance.
The Brazilian winger had little time to settle and found himself in the middle of the action from the moment he stepped onto the pitch. Marcos Llorente’s energy in attack helped swing the momentum, and a powerful cross found its mark, setting the tone for what followed.
END #SevillaFCAthlete 0-2
goals @marcosllorente Y @AlvaroMorata give three points @Athlete! #LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/puiJX2TOZT
– LaLiga (@LaLiga) October 1, 2022
After the break, Sevilla pushed to turn the tide. Lopetegui sent on Navas and Rakitic to inject creativity and combat the deficit. The changes sparked better urgency from Seville at the start of the second half, yet Atlético remained efficient and received applause from their own supporters as the whistle of discontent rose around the stadium.
In the second act, Cunha seized on a loose ball after an errant clearance from Carmona and delivered a finish that sent the ball through a crowded area and into the net in a moment of poise. The finish left Bono with little chance and effectively sealed the match as the Sevilla defense struggled to respond.
In the final phase, Seville pressed forward again and En-Nesyri looked to threaten with a powerful header. Oblak produced a sensational save to preserve the clean sheet, but the fans remained loud in their desire for a better showing from their team. The match ended with Atlético dining out on the result as the home crowd vented their frustration.
Data sheet
0- Seville: Connect; Carmona, Salas (Navas, 46′), Nianzou (En-Nesyri, 67′), Rekik (Alex Telles, 28′); Gudelj, Delaney (Rakitic, 46′); Lamela, Isco, Óliver (‘Papu’ Gómez, 67′); dolberg
2- Atlético Madrid: Oblak; Molina (Joao Félix, 87′), Savic, Giménez, Reinildo; Llorente, Koke (Kondogbia, 73′), Witsel, Saul (Carrasco, 61′); Cunha (Correa, 73′), Morata (Griezmann, 61′).
TARGETS: 0-1 M. 29 Marcos Llorente. 0-2 M. 57 Alvaro Morata.
JUDGE: From Burgos Bengoetxea (Basque). TA: Isco (11′), Delaney (31′), Gudelj (81′)/Witsel (39′), Joao Felix (93′)
STADIUM: Sanchez Pizjuan. 37,754 spectators.