Akor Adams delivered a cool headed response to a week of chaos after helping Sevilla secure a vital 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid just days after masked fans blocked the training ground and players were confronted at the airport.
The Nigerian striker scored from the penalty spot and then spoke with pride about a team that turned crisis into fuel.
“All the energy of the club, the fans, and the players transformed into a positive atmosphere for this match,” Adams said, as quoted by El Sevillista. “We gave 100% and achieved our objective, which was the three points.”
It was a remarkable turnaround. Seven days earlier, Sevilla had lost 1-0 to struggling Real Oviedo, leaving them hovering just above the relegation zone. The reaction from supporters was ugly.
The fan unrest that shook Sevilla
Players were met with insults and abuse at the airport on their return. The situation escalated at the training ground, where a group of masked fans blocked access and reportedly issued threats. Police had to step in to restore order.
It was the kind of week that can break a team. Instead, Sevilla used it.
Adams, smartly, ignored the tension in his post match comments and focused only on the supporters who showed up on matchday.
“The fans’ support has been incredible, it’s given us a lot of energy,” he said. “We play for them and if we’re all like this, we’ll be happy every week.”
The penalty and the performance
Adams revealed that his composed spot kick which gave Sevilla the perfect start in the 10th minute was anything but spontaneous.
“I had practiced it in training,” he said. “I had the confidence of all my teammates. Everyone played a good game, Manu and Agoumé in midfield, Castrín at the back, and everyone else. We all achieved our goal.”
Atletico equalised late in the first half through Javier Bonar, briefly quietening the home crowd. But Sevilla responded immediately. Nemanja Gudelj struck just before the break to restore the lead, and the home side held on for a result that could prove season defining.
Adams led the line with strength and intelligence, staying central to Sevilla’s attacking play before being substituted in stoppage time.
Super Eagles battle
The match also featured a Nigerian subplot. Ademola Lookman came on for Atletico Madrid in the 71st minute, while Chidera Ejuke was named on the bench but did not feature.
Adams, meanwhile, continues to stake his claim. Eight goals and three assists in 26 league appearances. A key figure at a crucial stage of the season. And a player who knows how to keep his head when everything around him is losing theirs.
The bottom line
Sevilla are not safe yet. But this win earned in the shadow of fan fury, feels like a turning point.
Adams put it best. They gave 100%. They achieved their objective. And for one night at least, the chaos was replaced by celebration.
