Sevilla FC claimed a highly emotional 2-1 victory in the top-of-the-table clash with Atletico Madrid on Saturday night. Ivan Rakitic delivered a contender for goal of the year.
In the Bundesliga, record champions Bayern Munich had already overtaken their rivals before Christmas (nine points ahead of BVB) – and in La Liga there was also the threat of imminent boredom. Because Sevilla and Atletico were heading for a draw on Saturday evening. Real already seemed to be pulling away to seven points after 17 games, but had made their reckoning without Lucas Ocampos. But let’s take it one step at a time.
The top match had started outstandingly for Sevilla: Out of nowhere, Rakitic fired a ball from around 30 metres into the top left corner of the net (7th minute), which was unstoppable for Atletico’s ever-secure Jan Oblak. Unquestionably one of the best La Liga goals of the calendar year and one for every review. However, the home side, who had more pressure, failed to add another goal. There was too little from Atletico offensively. And then the equaliser came: After Lemar’s corner, defender Felipe broke through on the five-metre line and headed in to make it 1-1 (33rd minute).
Joao Felix hits the crossbar
After the change of ends, a highly intensive, partly nippy and always emotional duel developed, which hardly offered any highlights. The final phase, however, had it all – and should bring the decision: After a corner by Rakitic, not only the ball but also ex-Dortmund Delaney sailed through the air. His diving header hit the crossbar, Ocampos was in the right place and hammered the ball into the top corner (87th).
Unsurprisingly, the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan was upside down, but the 33,241 spectators were almost silenced in injury time. Joker Joao Felix sent a mishit cross into the centre, where it almost duped keeper Bono but only crashed onto the crossbar (90.+4).
The result was 2-1 for Sevilla, who have now won five of their last six competitive matches and are Real’s only rivals. The next prestigious clash already awaits on Tuesday, with Barça, who just won on Saturday, travelling ten (!) points behind.
