by Pablo Barrios won Atletico Madrid on Sunday in Seville a 2-1 victory to offer the Diego Simeone side a lifeline in the Spanish title race.
After the leaders Barcelona fell home on Saturday Drew and Real Madrid, the third -placed Atletico had the chance to win back some ground on their rivals.
Lucien Agoule sent Sevilla with a long-term effort and Atletico through a Julian Alvarez penalty in the first half before Barrios hit the last phases.
Atletico’s draw in Espanyol last weekend brought them practically from the title race, and despite their last victory, they play with eight remaining games for Barcelona.
“We needed this to get to Seville is a difficult place to go … The team after the first goal was admitted to scored the result we wanted,” Atletico midfielder Koke told Movistar.
“We deserve the victory and this is the line we have to follow … let’s see where we are going.”
Sevilla took the lead early when Atletico put a cross to the edge of her box, with Agoule arriving to hit the ball past Jan Oblak.
Atletico was paved when Conor Gallagher broke into the box and covered Loic Bade.
Alvarez, who had a penalty controversy after an alleged double fighter on the ball when Atletico was expelled from the Champions League by Real Madrid, sent him ease.
The Argentina international sent Orjan Nylland for his 12th league goal in a strong debut season in Atletico in the wrong direction after being connected from Manchester City last summer.
Oblak ensured a good rescue to refuse Akor Adams, and Seville appealed unsuccessfully for a punishment after the goalkeeper subsequently collided with the striker.
Oblak also contested Chida Ejuke on his almost post, while Alvarez threatened sporadically for the visitors at the other end.
With the match in the direction of a draw, Barrios appeared in the 93rd minute to achieve his sub -victory.
The 21-year-old drove forward before stroking his first season with a precise effort when the shot opened for him on the edge of the box.
RBS/NF
