Nemanja Gudelj dented much-changed Atlético Madrid's hopes of a top-three LaLiga finish as he headed Sevilla to a vital 2-1 victory.

Serbia international Gudelj's strike in first-half stoppage time at Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan proved decisive after Javier Boñar had cancelled out Akor Adams' early penalty for the home side, who started the day perched precariously just above the drop zone.

Three days after their 2-0 Champions League quarterfinal first-leg win at Barcelona, Diego Simeone made 10 changes with one eye on Tuesday's return, but saw his side come up short and hand Villarreal the chance to go four points clear in third when they travel to Athletic Club on Sunday.

The hosts were ahead within 10 minutes when, after a VAR review of defender Daniel Martinez's challenge on Isaac Romero, Adams beat Juan Musso from the spot.

CRISTINA QUICLER / AFP via Getty Images

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Atlético gradually worked their way back into the game and they were level 10 minutes before the break when Bonar headed a Julio Díaz cross past keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.

Simeone's men pressed once again as the half-time whistle approached, but ultimately went in at the break trailing after Gudelj headed Ruben Vargas' corner past Musso.

Sevilla might have extended their lead within 13 minutes of the restart, but Isaac Romero's strike at the end of a pacy counter-attack came back off a post.

Chances were few and far between as time ran down with Marc Pubill heading wide from Thiago Almada's 78th-minute cross and Vlachodimos saving from Jano Monserrate during eight minutes of stoppage time, but there was no way back for Atlético.