Álex Baena delivered a defining performance with two goals as Atlético Madrid cruised to a 1-3 victory away at Sevilla on La Liga Matchday 3, consolidating an early-season statement of intent from Diego Simeone's side. The midfielder's brace proved the decisive factor in a match where Atlético controlled the tempo and punished their hosts' defensive vulnerabilities with clinical precision.

Baena's first goal set the tone, giving Atlético an advantage that immediately forced Sevilla into a reactive posture. When he struck again to double his personal tally, the visitors had effectively killed the contest. Sevilla managed to pull one back to make the scoreline 1-3, but it was little more than a consolation, as Atlético's defensive structure held firm throughout the closing stages to ensure all three points headed back to Madrid.

Beyond Baena's goals, two individual performances added rich layers to the contest. Chidera Ejuke was a constant menace with the ball at his feet, completing seven dribbles over the course of the match — a figure that underlined his ability to carry possession past defenders and create chaos in the final third. His direct running was a persistent headache for Sevilla's backline, stretching the defensive shape and opening channels for teammates. Meanwhile, Gabriel Suazo was equally influential in a creative capacity, registering five key passes. Suazo's vision and delivery consistently found teammates in threatening positions, and his contribution from a deeper or wider role gave Atlético an extra dimension in their build-up play.

For Sevilla, the defeat compounds a difficult start to the campaign. Despite finding the net once, their inability to contain Baena or deal with Ejuke's dribbling threat exposed structural issues that will concern their coaching staff heading into the next fixtures. The defensive frailties that allowed three goals on home turf suggest significant work is needed if they are to compete in the upper half of La Liga this season.

Atlético, by contrast, will take enormous confidence from this away win. Three goals at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán is no small feat, and performances like Baena's brace, Ejuke's seven successful dribbles, and Suazo's five key passes point to a squad with depth, creativity, and cutting edge. As the early weeks of La Liga take shape, Simeone's men have served notice that they intend to be firmly in the title conversation.