Atletico Madrid have never qualified for the Champions League, but that wait may soon come to an end after they beat Sevilla 2-1 on Saturday to move five points clear of their rivals.
Goals from Argentine internationals Maxi Rodriguez and Kun Aguero saw Atletico overcome 10-man Sevilla, who had Enzo Maresca sent off in the second half, and they sit fourth with a five-point cushion over Sevilla.
It was the first time Atletico Madrid had won at Sevilla's Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium since the 1992-1993 season and the historic victory puts them in pole position for a Champions League berth.
PHOTO: REUTERS
For Sevilla, the team that have collected the most points so far this year, it represents a major setback but they still have nine games left to fight for a second successive season in the Champions League.
The last time the teams met Atletico won 4-3 and goals were expected in the rematch between two sides that put the emphasis on attack rather than defense.
Atletico started the stronger, with Portuguese international Simao looking very threatening and the left winger created the opener on 18 minutes with his cross side-footed in by Maxi.
It was a shock for Sevilla, who were almost gifted an equalizer when Italian goalkeeper Christian Abbiati dropped a high ball, but his defense smothered Luis Fabiano's effort.
Aguero then went close for Atletico on the half hour mark with his shot flashing wide of the post.
Sevilla boss Manolo Jimenez was forced into change before the interval with Tom de Mul replacing the injured Jesus Navas who had been struggling since a knock early in the match.
But the hosts levelled shortly after the interval, with Diego Capel following up after Frederic Kanoute's initial shot was well saved.
However, nine minutes later Aguero restored Atletico's lead with an accomplished sidefooted volley for his 12th goal of the season.
Just 120 seconds later Maresca, who had only been on the pitch for six minutes, saw a straight red card for headbutting Aguero.
Sevilla gave their all to get back in the match -- with full back Daniel Alves exceptional -- but Atletico held on.
Earlier Real Mallorca took a giant step toward staying in the Spanish first division with a 1-0 victory over relegation rivals Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday.
Juan Arango's 11th goal of the season, an inswinging free kick that missed everyone and went directly into the net, helped Mallorca move five points clear of the drop zone.
Depor may have beaten leaders Real Madrid last weekend, but the 2000 league champions are now just two points better off than third from bottom Recreativo Huelva.
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