Álex Baena scored twice and Ademola Lookman added another as Atlético Madrid cruised to a 3-1 victory at Sevilla on Saturday, maintaining an unbeaten start to the La Liga season with seven points from three matches. The win came amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Julián Álvarez, who was left out of the squad entirely and did not travel. Atlético insisted Thursday the Argentina forward would not be transferred to Barcelona, though he missed most of the week's training and was booed by fans during his substitute appearance last Sunday. Coach Diego Simeone described Álvarez's situation as a "personal process" and emphasized the club's support.

Handed his first start of the campaign, Baena justified Simeone's faith with a clinical first-half display. Lee Kang-In assisted the opener after four minutes, with Baena finishing from a tight angle. Lookman doubled the lead with a near-post strike from outside the box, before Baena completed his brace after Sevilla's defense backed off. Miguel Sierra pulled one back for the hosts in the 67th minute, but Atlético controlled the remainder.

Simeone praised Baena's confidence and "difference maker" quality, linking his form to last year's World Cup experience. Regarding the transfer window closing Tuesday, Simeone remained cryptic: "Anything can happen... but I'm not saying that for anything in particular."