Two-Goal Hero Steps Up in Alvarez's Absence. Simeone: "He's Going Through His Own Personal Process"

Atletico Madrid netted all three of their goals before the 33rd minute, with Alex Baena scoring twice and Ademola Lookman adding another. The hosts pulled one back in the 66th minute through Miguel Sierra, making the final score 1-3. Slovakian defender Dávid Hancko played the entire match, contributing to the victory.

"We played the first half exactly as we intended. We moved the ball well and gave the opponent very little defensively. We need to maintain that efficiency, just like in the first half. It was a very good game for us," Baena was quoted as saying by Marca.

The Spanish international was asked if he had "stepped into the shoes" of the absent Alvarez. "I was just being Baena. Each of us is different; this team has quality. Even though people say we don't have a striker, we've already scored seven goals in three games. I have a lot of confidence right now. Thanks to my teammates, I can score goals like these.

Any player who becomes a world champion gains confidence, and after a successful World Cup campaign, that's doubly true. I need to continue this good form and keep working for the team," responded the 25-year-old attacking linchpin of "Los Colchoneros."

Atletico now leads the La Liga table with seven points after three matches. The club has repeatedly ruled out Alvarez's transfer to Barcelona.

The Argentine, who reportedly wants to leave Madrid, is also heavily linked with Arsenal and was not included in the matchday squad in Seville. Last weekend, Atletico fans booed him after a 2-2 draw with Villarreal.

"Julian is going through his own personal process, and we will be here to help him. And for him to help us on the field, because he is an exceptional player," Simeone told Movistar.