MADRID (AP) – Ángel Correa and Saúl Ñíguez scored goals for Atlético de Madrid to extend their lead at the top of the Spanish La Liga on Tuesday, thanks to a 2-0 win over Sevilla.
Atleti was four points behind Real Madrid, and also has the advantage of having played two fewer matches. Those led by Argentine Diego Simeone are looking for what would be their first league title since 2014.
“What I like the most is that we have played with passion and commitment for the last nine years,” said Argentine Simeone. “And the other thing, the title in question, is a consequence of what I’m saying.”
Correa gave the locals the lead in the 17th minute. The Argentine received a pass from Kieran Trippier inside the area, controlled with the right boot, turned around and defined with a low left foot.
“Correa’s game makes me very happy. He needed a game like that, and on top of that he was able to score, “said Simeone.
Ñíquez entered as a substitute and got the second target at 76. Marcos Llorente escaped down the right wing before sending a low cross to Ñíguez, who had plenty of time to control and score with a low shot from the limits of the area.
“As in all jobs, first the one who has to have the decision and the strength is oneself, and Saúl has it”, stressed the “Cholo” Simeone. “He works, he competes, he knows it and now he is growing.”
It was the fifth consecutive victory for the mattress team, which recovered from the elimination suffered last week in the Copa del Rey at the hands of Corneliá of the third division.
In the other match on Tuesday, Granada beat Osasuna 2-0.
