Atlético beat Sevilla 3-1 without Álvarez before Madrid derby
Atlético de Madrid beat Sevilla 3-1 on Saturday in La Liga, climbing to provisional first place with seven points even though Julián Álvarez was not in the squad at all. Álex Baena scored twice and Ademola Lookman added a third before halftime. The result sharpens focus on the upcoming real madrid atl madrid derby at the Metropolitano on September 20 — a fixture that always puts Madrid's sporting capital in the global spotlight.
Diego Simeone's side left behind off-field turbulence to dominate at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán. It was Sevilla's first defeat of the season, while Atlético moved level on points with Alavés at the top of the early table.
Key Takeaways
- Atlético won 3-1 at Sevilla with a 3-0 halftime lead; Baena scored twice and Lookman once.
- Julián Álvarez was not even on the bench after missing most of the week's training.
- Atlético sit provisionally top of La Liga with seven points from three matches.
- The Madrid derby against Real Madrid is set for September 20 at the Metropolitano.
- Atlético's next test is away at Athletic Club on September 5.
Why Was Julián Álvarez Not on the Bench Against Sevilla?
Álvarez's absence was the story beyond the scoreline. Atlético insisted on Thursday that the Argentine will not be sold to Barcelona, yet he did not train with teammates for most of the week, according to AP News.
He was also left out of the squad for the league opener and was booed by home supporters when he entered as a substitute in a prior match. On Saturday, he was excluded entirely — not even named among substitutes.
How Did Atlético Win 3-1 Without Their Star Striker?
Baena delivered the breakthrough with two goals in a commanding first half. Lookman added a third with a strike that drew praise across Spanish media. Sevilla improved after the break and Miguel Sierra pulled one back, but Atlético held on for a comfortable away win.
Simeone praised Baena's confidence and versatility, noting the midfielder could be deployed across the attack. Baena joked he had "dressed up as Julián Álvarez," pointing out Atlético have seven goals in three matches despite claims they lack a traditional number nine.
What Does This Result Mean for the Real Madrid vs Atlético Derby?
The win builds momentum before the season's first Madrid derby on September 20 at the Metropolitano. Sports Illustrated reports Simeone will face José Mourinho, who took the Real Madrid bench in June. For a city where football and lifestyle are inseparable, derby week often drives global attention toward Madrid itself — from stadium districts to the premium neighborhoods fans and investors watch when the capital's two giants collide.
Readers tracking how major sporting events shape interest in Spain's capital can explore more in our Luxury Real Estate & Dream Homes hub.
What's Next on Atlético's Schedule After Beating Sevilla?
Atlético travel to Bilbao to face Athletic Club on September 5. Four days later they open their Champions League campaign at Liverpool on September 9. A trip to Real Sociedad follows on September 13, then a home match against Osasuna on September 16 before the Madrid derby closes out the run.
With Álvarez's future still unresolved, Simeone will need the same collective response that produced 60 strong minutes in Seville — especially with Liverpool and Real Madrid waiting in the next three weeks.