Sevilla manager Diego Alonso did not hide his anxiety after his side edged past Atlético Madrid in a tense La Liga encounter, admitting that the introduction of Ademola Lookman almost changed the entire complexion of the game.
The Andalusian club secured a vital 2-1 victory at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium on Saturday, a result that could prove decisive in their fight to steer clear of relegation trouble. After coming into the fixture on the back of three straight defeats, Sevilla showed urgency from the first whistle and were rewarded early.
It took just ten minutes for the hosts to break the deadlock, with Akor Adams calmly slotting home from the penalty spot to continue his impressive scoring form in Spain this season.
The early goal settled Sevilla’s nerves and allowed them to dictate the tempo for large spells of the first half.Despite rotating his squad ahead of a crucial European clash, Atlético boss Diego Simeone still named a competitive side, though he initially left Lookman among the substitutes. The decision appeared justified early on, but the narrative shifted after the Nigerian forward was introduced in the second half.
Despite rotating his squad ahead of a crucial European clash, Atlético boss Diego Simeone still named a competitive side, though he initially left Lookman among the substitutes. The decision appeared justified early on, but the narrative shifted after the Nigerian forward was introduced in the second half.
Sevilla doubled their advantage through Nemanja Gudelj, whose composed finish put daylight between the two sides. However, Atlético responded with increased intensity, and the arrival of Lookman injected pace, creativity, and directness into their attack.
Speaking after the match, Alonso admitted that Lookman’s presence caused genuine concern on the touchline.
“I was honestly worried when Lookman got on the ball,” he said. “You could feel the danger every time he drove forward. He has the ability to change games in seconds.”
Atlético eventually pulled one back late on, setting up a nervy finish, but Sevilla held firm to claim all three points. The win not only ends their losing streak but also provides a timely confidence boost as the season enters its decisive phase.
For Lookman, despite starting on the bench, his cameo once again underlined his growing influence and reputation in Spanish football. His performance will likely give Simeone something to think about ahead of their upcoming fixtures, especially with bigger challenges looming in both domestic and European competitions.
Sevilla, meanwhile, will hope this result marks a turning point in their campaign as they look to climb further away from danger and stabilize their season.
