Akor Adams delivered a decisive moment for Sevilla as the Nigerian striker scored the opening goal in a 2-1 LaLiga victory over Atlético Madrid at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, a result that strengthened the hosts’ survival hopes and ended a run of three straight league defeats, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Adams was the only Nigerian in the starting line-up, with Atlético’s Ademola Lookman beginning on the bench as Diego Simeone rotated heavily ahead of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Barcelona.

Chidera Ejuke was an unused substitute for Sevilla.

The Nigerian forward made his impact early in a high-pressure contest, converting a VAR-awarded penalty inside the opening minutes after Dani Martinez was penalised for a foul on Isaac Romero.

Adams struck confidently despite Atlético goalkeeper Juan Musso getting a strong hand to the effort, registering his seventh LaLiga goal of the season and Sevilla’s first of the match.

His finish came from a controlled attacking performance in which he recorded one shot on target and produced an expected goals (xG) of 0.79, reflecting the quality and importance of the opportunity he converted.

He also posted an expected goals on target (xGOT) of 0.98, underlining the precision of the strike.

Atlético equalised in the 35th minute through Javier Boñar, who marked his senior debut with a header from Julio Díaz’s cross, before Sevilla regained the lead just before half-time through Nemanja Gudelj’s set-piece finish.

In the second half, Lookman was introduced in the 71st minute but struggled to influence proceedings in a match that saw neither side register a shot on target after the break. Sevilla held firm to secure a vital win.

Adams completed eight of 10 passes at 80 per cent accuracy, won four aerial duels with one success, made 20 touches, and added three progressive carries alongside a key pass, reflecting a disciplined but effective display in attack.

For Sevilla, the victory lifted them out of the bottom three, while Adams’ contribution further reinforced his growing importance in their relegation fight.