Sevilla is the favorite rival of Koke … and Diego Costa

Koke's first goal in Atlético would mark a path. Today's captain against Sevilla. He would do it against Sevilla, the first of the 33 goals he has been with the red and white. February 26, 2011. Nine years have passed. But that smell has not been reduced. When Atlético faces Sevilla, Simeone knows: Koke's boot can be talisman.

Marked him in that season 2010-11, and also the 2012-13, and the 2014-15, and the 2015-16, and the 2016-17, and the 2017-18, and the 2018-19. In total seven goals (one of them served to say goodbye from the grass to a brother who lived his last game from the stands, who was leaving, Raúl García, celebrating Koke by drawing an '8' on his fingers) and no defeat. Five games won by Atlético, two draws. The road map of Koke in front of the immaculate Seville. This is entrusted to Simeone this Saturday.

Because all Atlético-Sevilla are important, but this maybe a little more. One final before the Anfield final. Both are in the fight for the same. Champions positions. That third place that Lopetegui occupy this day belonged to those of Cholo before it was played, some 'los del Cholo' who are now fifth 'Europa League'. The season, the accounts and all the plans go back to that place occupied by Seville (or the Getafe's room), who will jump to defend Lopetegui's in the Wanda Metropolitano. The battle in the Pizjuán was in tables. Whoever wins wins the points and the 'goal average'. In such a tight league it is not trivial.

Diego Costa's 11

Nor is it measured in Seville for Diego Costa. Share the Hispanic-Brazilian with Koke: he is a favorite rival. And now more than ever, Cholo needs his goals. Reactivate it. That this Coast that has returned from the operation of a cervical disc herniation, wider, without the finesse with which the preseason had started last summer, with barely 13 minutes in the first leg against Liverpool, 27 'against Espanyol and bad feelings, slow, far from the noise and fury to which Cholo is accustomed.

But before Anfield, Sevilla. And, written, no rival Costa has done more damage. 11 goals in 14 games. That is, an average of 0.78 goals per game. Goals in LaLiga, goals in the Cup. Goals with Valladolid (1), Rayo Vallecano (1) and Atlético (9). The first in 2010, the last two years ago (2018). With six doublets and performances forever. That coast. Together, with Koke, 18 goals against Sevilla.