Atlético Madrid take provisional Liga lead after Sevilla win

Atlético Madrid have moved provisionally to the top of La Liga after a 3-1 victory at Sevilla, giving Diego Simeone’s side the early advantage in the standings. The Madrid club now has seven points and leads Barcelona and Real Madrid by one, although both rivals remain close behind.

Atlético settled the match with an outstanding first-half display. Alex Baena opened the scoring in the fourth minute after receiving Kang-In Lee’s pass and finishing with his right foot. Ademola Lookman then added a second in the 26th minute, leaving Sevilla facing a substantial deficit before the interval. Baena completed his double seven minutes later with a powerful right-footed strike from outside the area.

Sevilla improved after the break and pulled one goal back in the 67th minute. Miguel Ángel Sierra found the net with a left-footed volley, but the hosts could not produce a second goal to put Atlético’s lead under sustained pressure. Simeone’s players preserved their two-goal advantage until the final whistle, securing a result that changes the leadership picture in Spain’s top flight.

Barcelona had six points after two matches and had also been listed among the four clubs with perfect records, alongside Real Madrid, Sevilla and Real Betis. Barcelona’s next league match is at home against Rayo Vallecano on Monday, while Real Madrid are due to host Malaga on Sunday. Atlético’s position therefore remains provisional, but its seven-point total currently puts the club ahead of the main early challengers.