N'Zonzi strike sinks Atletico to take Sevilla second in La Liga

Sevilla moved into second in La Liga and ended Atletico Madrid’s unbeaten run in the process with a 1-0 triumph at a rain-soaked Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

With the game heading towards a stalemate, Luciano Vietto picked out Steven N’Zonzi behind the Atletico defence on 73 minutes and the midfielder applied the finish – a goal which proved to be the winner.

Atletico actually shaded a hard fought first-half and had the better chances. First, Kevin Gameiro was denied by Sergio Rico in a one-on-one situation and shortly after Angel Correa spurned a golden opportunity as he fired wide of the target with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Sevilla improved in the second period and emerged as fully deserved winners. The post saved Atletico three minutes after the restart when Samir Nasri’s shot struck the woodwork. Vitolo then forced a good save from Jan Oblak.

Koke was sent off for a second bookable offence moments after the goal and despite a late rally from Diego Simeone’s side, they couldn’t find an equaliser.

The result meant Sevilla temporarily moved to the top of the table by a point and two ahead of third-placed Atletico (Real Madrid leapfrogged Sevilla into top spot later on Sunday with a win over Athletic Bilbao).

Are Sevilla capable of being crowned La Liga champions?

A spectacular performance from the Andalusians who proved they can mix it up with the league’s very best. This was Jorge Sampaoli’s first real test as Sevilla manager and it’s fair to say he passed with flying colours, inflicting a defeat on his fellow countryman in the process. His side breached Atletico's notorious defence on a number of occasions and probably deserved to win by more than a goal. This is going to be a truly exciting title race as Sevilla and Atletico are fully equipped to challenge Barcelona and Real Madrid for the number one spot.

Steven N’Zonzi (Sevilla) – The 26-year-old broke up countless Atletico’s attacks before grabbing an unlikely goal to cap a world-class performance.

Sevilla: Rico 7, Mercado 7, Pareja 7, Rami 7, Escudero 7, Mariano 8, N´Zonzi 9, Nasri 8, Vitolo 7, Vietto 7, Vázquez 7. Subs: Iborra N/A, Correa N/A.

Atletico Madrid: Oblak 7, Juanfran 6, Filipe Luis 6, Koke 7, Savic 6, Godin 7, Correa 5, Gabi 6, Gameiro 6, Griezmann 7, Carrasco 6. Subs: Mendes 6, Torres 5, Gaitan 5.

15’ - SAVE! Griezmann picks out Gameiro in acres of space, the forward breaks into the penalty area with only the goalkeeper to beat but Rico stands tall and makes the stop. A real chance for the visitors.

20’ - WIDE! A cross is sent to the visitors' back post where Filipe is able to clear but it's only as far as N'Zonzi who rifles the ball over from inside the penalty area. A disappointing finish for the former Blackburn Rovers player.

38’ - CHANCE! Atletico should be ahead. Gameiro's flick-on sends Correa through on goal but the forward can't hit the target from inside the penalty area. A gift-wrapped opportunity but the visitors fail to take advantage and Diego Simeone will be fuming.

48’ - POST! Nasri strikes the woodwork for the hosts! Fantastic footwork from the French star on the edge of the penalty area to wrong-foot his marker before sending his shot straight at the post. Oblak was rooted to the spot.

51’ - SAVE! Oblak to the rescue! Fantastic cross from Mariano to find the unmarked Vitolo but the forward can't find a way past the visiting goalkeeper who makes a great stop.

73’ - GOAL! Sevilla 1-0 Atletico Madrid - N'Zonzi puts the hosts in the lead with a well-taken finish! The midfielder is played through and he has the pace to go past Gabi before sliding the ball past Oblak.

77’ - RED CARD! Things go from bad to worse for Atletico as Koke is shown a second yellow card for a bad challenge on Rami.

Diego Simeone lost against Sevilla for the first time as manager (W6 D5, all competitions).

Luciano Vietto has had a hand in six goals this season, more than any other Sevilla player (3G, 3A, all competitions).

Sevilla have gone 23 games in a row scoring at least once at home in Primera Division, their best run since Dec 1954