Joan Jordan, Marcos Acuna and Diego Carlos impressed as Sevilla inflicted a narrow 1-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
Atletico Madrid lost a valuable lead at the top of La Liga following a devastating 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sevilla. The result at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Sunday means they are now only three points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid while FC Barcelona can move only one point behind if they win their game against Real Valladolid on Monday.
Sevilla were all over Atletico Madrid during the first half, launching a number of attacking moves in an effort to unsettle the opposition backline. They were rewarded for their efforts early on when Kieran Trippier conceded a penalty, but the resultant spot-kick was missed by Lucas Ocampos.
It seemed like a massive blow for Sevilla, especially as they failed to score in the first half while Atletico Madrid looked evidently better after the restart. However, an excellent passage of play saw Julen Lopetegui’s men create an opportunity for Marcos Acuna, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net in the 70th minute.
The goal gave Sevilla the incentive to sit back and sit back they did, fending off late pressure from Atletico Madrid while also making some progress going forward. Here, at Tthe Hard Tackle, we will take a look at how these two teams performed in this key result at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Sunday.
Sevilla
Bono: 7.5/10
? – Big save from Bono to prevent Correa from scoring.. pic.twitter.com/Wb8CeugrnY
— ??? ???? ? (@TheEuropeanLad) April 4, 2021
Although Atletico Madrid did attempt nine shots on goal, Bono was tested really only once when he saved Angel Correa’s effort. The Sevilla goalkeeper was otherwise alert and deserved the clean sheet.
Jesus Navas: 8/10
Jesus Navas had a balanced game on the right flank, moving forward only when necessary. He notably assisted Marcos Acuna’s winner, in what was an excellent display.
Jules Kounde: 7.5/10
Jules Kounde was always going to play a role in this key fixture and that he did, repelling the Atleti attacks with a total of six clearances. Strong in duels, while moving forward when necessary.
Diego Carlos: 8.5/10
Diego Carlos was a mammoth in defence, using his aerial and physical superiority to good effect. He notably made a total of ten clearances against Atletico Madrid.
Marcos Acuna: 8/10
Marcos Acuna scored the all-important winner to give his side the incentive to adopt a more cautious approach. He fared well on the left side, distributing possession and doing well in the build-up.
? | FOCUS
Marcos Acuña vs Atlético Madrid:
⏱️ 90' played
? 72 touches
⚽️ 1 goal
? 1 shot/1 on target
? 3 key passes
↩️ 4/9 acc. crosses (most)
❌ 2 tackles
⛔️ 1 blocked shot
? 8.1 SofaScore ratingThe match-winner for Sevilla tonight! ?#SevillaFCAtleti pic.twitter.com/EU1KcWa8k6
— SofaScore (@SofaScoreINT) April 4, 2021
Joan Jordan: 9/10
Joan Jordan was arguably Sevilla’s best performer of the game, as he controlled the midfield with his passing, ball distribution and movements. Looked very confident on the ball despite the pressure built by Atletico Madrid.
Fernando: 7.5/10
Fernando was certainly not as impressive as Jordan, but in the holding midfield role, the Brazilian played a key role in neutralising and mopping up loose balls.
Ivan Rakitic: 7/10
Ivan Rakitic could not quite show his usual quality but was a vital cog in Sevilla’s approach play nonetheless. His experience was crucial in helping Sevilla have the upper hand in the game.
Suso: 6.5/10
Suso had a lively game in the game first half, keeping the opposition defence occupied with his movements on the right flank. His influence, though, waned as the game progressed.
Luuk de Jong: 6/10
Luuk de Jong was asked to lead the line for Sevilla ahead of En-Nesyri. The move did not work out well for Julen Lopetegui as the Dutch international struggled to impact the game.
Lucas Ocampos: 6.5/10
Lucas Ocampos missed an early penalty, failing to give his side the lead. He looked intent on making amends throughout the rest of the game, but to no avail.
SUBSTITUTES
Youssef En-Nesyri: 6/10
Youssef En-Nesyri was introduced in the 63rd minute to add freshness to the Sevilla attack. Made some good runs, though failing to trouble Jan Oblak.
Papu Gomez: 6/10
Did not make much of an impact after coming on during the final phase of the game.
Nemanja Gudelj: N/A
A late replacement for Jordan. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Franco Vazquez: N/A
A late replacement for Ocampos. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Atletico Madrid
Jan Oblak: 7/10
Jan Oblak has faced three penalties in LaLiga this season:
⚽️ Marko Dmitrović
? Joselu
? Lucas OcamposThe only player to score one against him is another goalkeeper. ? pic.twitter.com/9fMsq3IQi8
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 4, 2021
Oblak made the early save to keep his team in the contest and was sharp in between the sticks throughout the ninety minutes. Poor defensive support from teammates though.
Jose Gimenez: 6.5/10
Jose Gimenez had some key moments at the back, especially in the first half as Sevilla were all over Atletico Madrid. Did not influence the game in the build-up.
Felipe: 6.5/10
Felipe made a crucial block from a de Jong effort to deny a goal for the Dutchman. He had a good game defensively but lacked quality in his passing and build-up.
Mario Hermoso: 5/10
Mario Hermoso was caught out by a marauding Navas on multiple occasions throughout the first half. In addition, he failed to offer the quality we usually expect in his forward passing. Also missed a sitter in the second half.
Kieran Trippier: 5/10
Kieran Trippier exhibited his poor defensive positioning for Acuna’s goal, as he was nowhere the left-back. Fared better going forward, though it was not enough to unsettle the Sevilla backline.
Koke: 6/10
Koke had one good attempt on goal, which was the extent of his contribution against Sevilla. He was often bested by the proactive Jordan, although the Spaniard did look more active in the second half.
Saul Niguez: 5.5/10
Saul Niguez had a poor game, to say the least. He most notably conceded the early penalty while failing to offer much creativity going forward. One would expect much better from the Atletico Madrid superstar.
Renan Lodi: 6/10
Renan Lodi’s night was cut short as he picked up an injury around the half-hour mark. He was replaced by Angel Correa. Fared decently till that point.
Marcos Llorente: 5.5/10
Marcos Llorente tried his best to offer some inspiration going forward, but it was simply not enough to trouble the opposition. Had a fairly quiet evening per his lofty standards.
Thomas Lemar: 6.5/10
As the most in-form player for Atletico Madrid at the moment, Thomas Lemar did offer sparks of creativity in the game. The Frenchman, however, struggled to provide that end product.
Luis Suarez: 5/10
Luis Suarez was not involved in the game much, although he did lack supply from his teammates. Created one late such for Correa.
SUBSTITUTES
Angel Correa: 4/10
Missed a great opportunity to level the scoring, although it was more of a spectacular save by Bono rather than a miss.
Hector Herrera: N/A
A late replacement for Lemar. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Geoffrey Kondogbia: N/A
A late replacement for Hermoso. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
