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Nzonzi strike sinks Atletico

By Daily Sports on October 24, 2016

Sevilla provisionally climbed to top of La Liga after Steven Nzonzi's second half strike handed them a 1-0 win over 10-man Atletico Madrid on Sunday, inflicting a first defeat of the season on Diego Simeone's side.

Former Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City midfielder Nzonzi skipped past Atletico's backline to latch onto a through ball from Atletico loanee Luciano Vietto to score in the 73rd minute and seal Sevilla's first win over Atletico in over six years.

Atletico and Spain midfielder Koke was dismissed for a second booking in the 77th. The visiting side almost snatched a late equaliser but defender Diego Godin's header went straight towards Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico.

Sevilla top the standings with 20 points, while Atletico slip from first to third on 18. Real Madrid, on 18, will go top if they beat Athletic Bilbao later on Sunday.

Sevilla's Vitolo had a penalty appeal turned down in a tight first half and Vietto's dangerous shot was deflected wide, while Angel Correa sliced a rare Atletico opportunity wide just before halftime.

Sevilla dominated the second half and it took a brave save from Jan Oblak to prevent Franco Vazquez scoring from close range.

Former Sevilla striker Kevin Gameiro hit the side netting at the other end and Atletico talisman Antoine Griezmann volleyed over.

Simeone brought Tiago to give his side more stability but it was a lapse of concentration from the Portuguese midfielder that allowed Vietto to flick a pass towards the advancing Nzonzi, who cooly slotted in his first goal of the season.

"I'm proud of the team, we had a lot of opportunities and the performance makes me very happy about the path we are on," said Sevilla coach Jorge Sampaoli.

"Nzonzi is not just here to put the brakes on the opposition but to create chances too as he did today. Vietto is contributing a lot of assists and we saw his contribution with the goal. I'm delighted with them both."

Earlier, Celta Vigo beat Deportivo La Coruna 4-1 in a local derby. Captain Hugo Mallo put Celta ahead in the 32nd minute only for Raul Albentosa to reply in the 37th.

Iago Aspas converted a penalty to restore Celta's lead on the hour mark and hit the final goal after standout player Fabian Orellana had struck the third.

Celta are eighth with 13 points, Deportivo are 17th with eight. (supersport.com)

•Photo shows Steven Nzonzi

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 23, 2016