Álex Baena Brace Leads Atlético Madrid to 3-1 Victory at Sevilla

Atlético Madrid moved to seven points after three matches following a 3-1 win against Sevilla, featuring two goals from Álex Baena.

Atlético Madrid secured a 3-1 victory against Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, building a three-goal lead by halftime. Álex Baena opened the scoring in the 4th minute, followed by an Ademola Lookman strike in the 26th minute. Baena completed his brace in the 33rd minute to ensure the visitors remained unbeaten through three matches of the Spanish league season. Sevilla’s Miguel Sierra recorded a consolation goal in the 67th minute, marking the home side's first loss of the current campaign.

Early Dominance and Clinical Finishing

The scoring began when Lee Kang-In cut inside from the right flank and delivered a through ball to Álex Baena. From an acute angle, Baena struck a first-time shot past Sevilla goalkeeper Odisseas Vlachodimos to establish a 1-0 lead after just four minutes of play. This marked Baena's first start of the term following substitute appearances in a win over Malaga and a draw against Villarreal.

Ademola Lookman extended the advantage 22 minutes later. Receiving a pass from Pablo Barrios on the left side, Lookman feigned a shot across the face of the goal before beating Vlachodimos at the near post with an effort from outside the penalty area. The third goal arrived seven minutes after Lookman’s strike. Marcos Llorente found Baena on the edge of the box, where the Sevilla defense failed to close space. Baena capitalized by rifling a low shot into the net for his second goal of the afternoon.

Defensive Stand and Second Half Response

Sevilla attempted a comeback midway through the second half. In the 67th minute, Gabriel Suazo sent a cross into the box that the Atlético defense failed to clear effectively. Miguel Sierra met the ball with a left-footed volley to reduce the deficit to 3-1. Despite this breakthrough, the home side was unable to create further scoring opportunities to challenge Atlético’s lead. The result leaves Atlético Madrid with seven points from their opening three fixtures.

Diego Simeone praised Baena’s impact, noting that the player's confidence and emotions from the World Cup have contributed to his current form. The coach described Baena as a "game-changer" and a "difference maker," stating that the club will continue to demand this high level of performance from him as he maximizes his potential.

Julián Álvarez Absence and Transfer Status

Julián Álvarez was notably absent from the matchday squad, missing even a spot on the substitutes' bench. The Argentina international had not trained with his teammates for the majority of the week leading up to the Sevilla fixture. This follows a substitute appearance on Sunday where he was booed by fans. Despite his absence, Atlético officials insisted on Thursday that the forward will not be transferred to Barcelona before the window closes on Tuesday.

Simeone addressed the situation by calling it a "personal process," emphasizing that the club is focused on helping Álvarez in a sporting sense. While the coach acknowledged that anything can happen before the transfer deadline, he clarified that his comments were not directed at any player in particular. The team now looks ahead to the remainder of the season with an undefeated record, while Sevilla must rebound from their first defeat.