Entrenched in their territory in the final stretch, hampered by clumsiness and Soyuncu's expulsion more than 20 minutes from the end, and physically exhausted, Atlético Madrid maintained the 1-0 lead secured by Marcos Llorente early in the second half to overcome Sevilla. The resolute victory signals that Atlético remains in contention for the LaLiga EA Sports title.

Seven points behind Real Madrid's leadership and Girona's second position, there is still a chance for Atlético Madrid in the league, despite starting the match ten points behind the top of the table. They survived on the edge of collapse but managed to resist and secure the win, a commendable feat considering they played with ten men for a significant amount of time. Diego Simeone rushed to congratulate his players for their commendable effort.

Quique Flores, victorious with a 0-3 debut, emphasizes the foundation of his team in defense. It serves as the safest refuge in times of crisis. The same cannot be said for Sevilla, three points above relegation, still without the relief and calm of consecutive victories as they strive to implement their new coach's vision.

At the Metropolitano, Flores opted for Rakitic instead of En-Nesyri, recognizing that anything beyond a defeat relied on containing Atlético. The plan worked, especially in the final third and throughout the first half. Despite Atlético's dominance, they lacked the finishing touch in the last pass, the final push, the decisive moment, struggling to find the net when facing the opponent's goal.

In the second half, with Llorente as the right wing-back, Atlético ignited from the start. His run down the flank and subsequent cross, intercepted by Ramos and turned into a goal by Llorente, unfolded an imperceptible horizon only 53 seconds into the second half, giving Atlético a 1-0 lead.

Sevilla wasted 45 minutes in an instant, and Atlético achieved a goal with unexpected speed compared to the first half. Quique's plan was no longer sufficient. En-Nesyri and Sow entered the field, replacing Rakitic and Suso. In response, Simeone introduced Saúl, withdrawing Morata. The advantage was precious for the home team.

With the result in mind, the dynamics of the game changed. Atlético retreated, and Sevilla pressed forward. The needs were different now, and the momentum shifted. It was the moment for the Andalusian team. It was notable that in this scenario, Oliver received the ball only between the lines for a pass to Ocampos, but the play ended with a save by Oblak. Another scare came when De Paul intervened to repel Oliver's threatening volley. Another close call.

Atlético was in that mode they've experienced in various moments of recent matches, where having the lead turns every ball exit into a puzzle, every loss an invitation to the opponent's attack, every cross into their box a terrifying nightmare for the entire team, except when Oblak intervenes, and every rebound ends up at the feet of the opponent or in some unsettling corner kick.

To complicate matters further, Soyuncu, Simeone's choice from the bench, made a four-minute blunder. He entered in the 65th minute and was sent off in the 69th minute, receiving a red card after a violent stomp on Lucas Ocampos' ankle, confirmed after a VAR review. Another problem. The next - and final - recourse was Reinildo, another defender. He hadn't played since February 25, when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. His comeback was needed by Atlético.

The opportunity was now for Sevilla. With a numerical advantage, only one goal behind, and Atlético exposed, the Andalusian team pressed forward. Simeone encouraged his team from the stands, and the Andalusian team had barely created anything ten minutes after the expulsion. The game was hanging by a thread, and anything was possible.

Atlético claimed a penalty for Azpilicueta; Dmitrovic saved a shot from Lino; Llorente had the chance for 2-0, stopped by the visiting goalkeeper; a clearance by Reinildo caused even more anxiety in the stands and in Oblak's goal. And there it stayed for Sevilla. Atlético won, staying alive in the LaLiga title race.