Atlético de Madrid 2-Sevilla 0 | Winter champions

Atlético is the winter champion. He beat Sevilla in a match where he soon got ahead on the scoreboard thanks to Correa, endured Sevilla's onslaught and Saúl finished off the task, whom Simeone has to recover for the cause. Cholo's team did not give in and took advantage of the first of their three postponed games to increase the lead with Real Madrid. They are four points and two games less. The championship is looking very good for an Atlético who was finally able to beat Sevilla after four straight draws in the last two years.

Simeone and Lopetegui put their best men on the grass of the Wanda Metropolitano, a perfect playing field. It seems difficult to understand the snowfall that has fallen these days in Madrid seeing the state of the rojiblanco field, quite good for soccer practice. Field of play in gala conditions and equipment. The weather, five degrees below zero, was not a determining factor for the two teams to try to give their all on the pitch. Yes to have some images for the story, such as Atlético's substitutes riding bikes so as not to freeze.

Correa's goal in the 16th minute did condition the clash, since Atlético moves like a fish in water when they go ahead on the scoreboard. Lopetegui came out with high pressure on the ball exit of an Atlético who played with his usual system of three centrals and two lanes, with Trippier (who returned after the precautionary after the sanction of the English Federation) on the right and Carrasco, to the left. The relative surprise was seeing João Félix on the bench. Correa won the game. Sevilla played with the regulars, although with Suso as a false 9, with Ocampos on the right and En Nesyri on the left. Nobody gave anything away from the opening whistle and Atlético was the one who took advantage of their opportunity. Correa, who had not scored since the first league match against Granada, finished low and surprised Bono. It was felt that it would not be a meeting of great occasions and the goal had its weight in gold. Atlético did not arrive much, but they did clearly. Bono served with his left foot shortly after what could be 2-0. Before Acuña threw out when the tie was already sung. They were the two clearest opportunities for both teams that already had a clear role in the clash.

Sevilla playing from one side to the other to try to penetrate the red-and-white defense. The Andalusian team played, played and played, but found no loophole in the defense of the LaLiga leader, who multiplied in putting obstacles to Sevilla in front of Oblak. The three centrals and Trippier and Carrasco were joined by Koke, Correa, Llorente … Even Lemar closed ranks like a gladiator. More off the hook was Luis Suárez. Atlético defended as well as ever, all together, helping here, helping there …

The second half was developed along the same lines. Sevilla with the ball, opening the field, with Koundé curiously as the main danger for Atlético. The Sevilla team moved well, with Navas already determined to create a lot of danger on the right and Acuña on the left. Atlético mounted a wall on the front, without any confusion, all concentrated to the maximum … The best chance came in the first minute with a near-angle shot from En Nesyri. The Cholo team did not offer any fissures and waited for their chance.

He had it with fifteen minutes to go with an assist from Marcos Llorente for Saúl to score, surely the rojiblanco who most needed to score. Saúl is not one more at Atlético and everyone knows it. The Madrid team found itself 2-0 thanks to its defensive strength, its know-how and its enormous and great performance as a team. Sevilla could and deserved to score, but fortune in this case also accompanied a team that continues with a firm step in LaLiga.