With Álvarez absent: Atlético Madrid crush Sevilla to top LaLiga

Atlético Madrid rediscovered their winning touch in La Liga on Saturday evening, beating hosts Sevilla 3-1 at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán.

They wasted no time. Alejandro Baena struck inside four minutes to hand the visitors the lead.

Ademola Lookman doubled Atlético's advantage in the 26th minute.

Baena then grabbed his second and Atleti's third in the 33rd minute.

Miguel Sierra pulled one back for Sevilla in the 66th minute.

The win lifted Atlético Madrid to seven points, sending them temporarily top of La Liga, while Sevilla stayed on six points in fifth.

Julián Álvarez played no part after skipping training, with his future in doubt. The striker wants a move to Barcelona, but his Madrid club refuse to negotiate with Barça.

Atleti had opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Málaga, followed by a 2-2 draw with Villarreal.