Atletico in pole position after Sevilla win

22 March 2008 22:27

Mallorca´s Juan Arango (L) and Fernando Varela celebrate during a January 2008 match. Real Mallorca took a giant step towards staying in the Spanish first division with a 1-0 win over relegation rivals Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday.

MADRID (AFP) - Atletico Madrid have never qualified for the Champions League but that wait may soon come to an end after they defeated Sevilla 2-1 on Saturday to move five points clear of their rivals.

Goals from Argentine internationals Kun Aguero and Maxi Rodriguez saw Atletico overcome ten-man Sevilla, who had Enzo Maresca sent off in the second half, and they sit fourth with a five-point cushion over Sevilla.

It was the first time Atletico had won at Sevilla's Sanchez Pizjuan stadium since the 1992/93 season and the historic victory puts them in pole position for a Champions League berth.

For Sevilla, the team that have collected the most points in 2008, it represents a major setback but they still have nine games left to fight for a second successive season in the Champions League.

The last time the teams met Atletico won 4-3 and goals were expected in the rematch between two sides that put the emphasis on attack rather than defence.

Atletico started the stronger with Portuguese international Simao looking very threatening and the left winger created the opener on 18 minutes with his cross side-footed in by Maxi.

It was a shock for Sevilla but they were almost gifted an equaliser when Italian goalkeeper Christian Abbiati dropped a high ball but his defence smothered Luis Fabiano's effort.

Aguero then went close for Atletico on the half hour mark with his shot flashing wide of the post. Sevilla boss Manolo Jimenez was forced into change before the interval with Tom de Mul replacing the injured Jesus Navas who had been struggling since a knock early in the match.

But the hosts levelled shortly after the interval with Diego Capel following up after Frederic Kanoute's initial shot was well-saved.

However nine minutes later Aguero restored Atletico's lead with an accomplished sidefooted volley finish for his 12th goal of the season.

Just 120 seconds later Maresca, who had only been on the pitch for six minutes, saw a straight red card for headbutting Aguero.

Sevilla gave their all to get back in the match - with full back Daniel Alves exceptional - but Atletico held on.

Earlier Real Mallorca took a giant step towards staying in the Spanish first division with a 1-0 win over relegation rivals Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday.

Juan Arango's 11th goal of the season, an inswinging free-kick that missed everyone and went directly into the net, helped Mallorca move five points clear of the drop zone.

Depor may have beaten leaders Real Madrid last weekend but the 2000 league champions are just two points better off than third from bottom Recreativo Huelva.

Leaders Real Madrid are in action on Sunday when they host a buoyant Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Valencia overcame Barcelona on Thursday to reach the Kings Cup final and can now concentrate on easing relegation fears with Ronald Koeman's team four points from safety.

Real lost at Depor last weekend but have a seven-point cushion over Barcelona.

Barca are still hurting from their cup loss to Valencia but need to raise spirits quickly for Sunday's match against Valladolid at Camp Nou.

Villarreal are breathing down Barcelona's necks, just two points behind in third, ahead of Sunday's trip to bottom side Levante.