MADRID: Nolito hit the opening goal for Celta Vigo who took advantage of a lethargic first half from Sevilla to win 2-1 and join Real Madrid atop La Liga on Sunday.

Sevilla, who have now not won in four games, went behind when the defence gave Nolito time in the box to pick his spot after 15 minutes at the Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.

Daniel Wass pounced on some shambolic Sevilla defending to fire in the second after 26 minutes with a low drive into the corner.

Sevilla came to the life in the second half and substitute Fernando Llorente got his first goal for the club but they could not find an equaliser.

In injury time Celta fullback Jonny Castro was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

Celta’s third victory in four matches saw them move to ten points, provisionally top alongside Real who beat Granada 1-0 on Saturday thanks to a Karim Benzema header.

Benzema grabbed the only goal of the game nine minutes into the second-half with a cushioned header from Isco’s fine cross.

Atletico Madrid are third in the standings with nine points after Fernando Torres came off the bench to inspire Diego Simeone’s men to a 2-0 win at Eibar on Saturday.

Torres set up fellow substitute Angel Correa for the opener after 62 minutes and then the Argentine youngster was the supplier for Torres who dinked the ball over keeper Asier Riesgo for the second after 78 minutes.

Barcelona, who have a game in hand also have nine points.

Published in Dawn, September 21st , 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play