19 February 2007, by Sean Gillen

Sevilla overpower Atletico to go joint top

Sevilla 3-1 Atletico Madrid

Sevilla moved level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga after overpowering Atletico Madrid in an entertaining encounter at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. The hosts survived the first half dismissal of Marti to get back to winning ways after two recent league draws.

Atletico manager Javier Aguirre selected Portuguese international Costinha in midfield alongside compatriot Maniche, in order to provide a strong defensive shield against Sevilla’s rapid forward line.

The plan failed miserably in opening stages, with Sevilla ripping into their opponents and creating several chances. Daniel Alves drew a good save from Atletico ‘keeper Leo Franco, before the Argentinean also stuck out a leg to deny Luis Fabiano from close range.

It was no surprise to see the hosts take the lead, and it was top goalscorer Fredi Kanoute with the breakthrough. Alves’ long ball over the top of the Atletico defence put the Frenchman in on goal, and Kanoute allowed the ball to bounce before drilling it past Franco.

Maniche goes close

A rare Atletico chance arrived when Fernando Torres picked up possession on the right of the area, and found Maniche twenty metres from goal, and the Portuguese’s shot took a slight deflection before going wide.

Sevilla scored a second in the 22nd minute when tricky winger Jesus Naves laid the ball back to Alves, and the Brazilian dispatched a clinical low shot across Franco into the bottom corner from outside the box.

Maniche then created Atletico’s best chance of the half when his bright first time pass sent Aguero through, but the young Argentine rushed his finish and Palop was able to make a comfortable save.

The home side had midfielder Marti sent off ten minutes before half time for a reckless challenge on Aguero, and Atletico began to enjoy more of the play. However, Sevilla always appeared the more dangerous side going forward as Atletico’s defence looked massively disorganised.

Ze Castro omitted

Atletico’s Portuguese central defender Ze Castro has found himself back on the sidelines after a hugely impressive recent spell in the side, with Aguirre currently opting for last season’s partnership of Luis Perea and Pablo Ibanez.

However, the entire backline coped hopelessly with their opponents attack. Navas went close to adding a third and Perea deflected a free-kick over his own bar as Atletico just about remained in the game heading into the interval.

Atletico improved in the second half, but lacked the cutting edge to genuinely threaten. Costinha, who started his first game in three months, picked up a yellow card, meaning he faces a ban, and his disappointing evening ended when he was substituted in the second half.

The second period lacked the intensity of the first, although Atletico enjoyed the better of the play for large spells. Jurado’s wayward shot missed the target and Maniche’s long-range effort was easy for Palop as Sevilla dealt easily with the visitors’ threat.

Sevilla added a third somewhat against the run of play in the 73rd minute. Puerta superbly flicked Navas’ corner on for Kanoute to head in at the back post for his second of the night.

Duda was introduced for Sevilla, before Atletico registered a late consolation after being awarded a penalty for a foul on Torres. Skipper Torres took the kick, but Palop saved and it was left to Pablo to put away the rebound.

Sevilla:
Palop, Alves, David, Escude, Ocio, Renato, Marti, Puerta (Duda, 79), Navas (Hinkel, 66), Kanoute, Fabiano (Poulsen, 41)
Yellow Cards: Ocio (34), Poulsen (80), Alves (89)
Red Cards: Marti (36)

Atletico Madrid:
Leo Franco, Seitaridis, Pernia, Perea, Pablo, Costinha (Gabi, 64), Luccin (Jurado, 45), Maniche, Aguero, Mista (Galletti, 45), Torres
Yellow Cards: Pernia (29), Luccin (39), Costinha (57), Gabi (85)

Goals:
[1-0] Kanoute, 15
[2-0] Alves, 22
[3-0] Kanoute, 73
[3-1] Pablo, 83