Atletico rout Sevilla, continue its chase of Barcelona

MADRID, Feb 26 (AP): Atletico Madrid is making it clear that it won't let up in its pursuit of Spanish league leader Barcelona.

Atletico sent a strong message about its intentions on Sunday by routing Sevilla 5-2 with a hat trick by Antoine Griezmann in Seville. Diego Costa and Koke also scored for Atletico as it took advantage of a disastrous defensive performance by Sevilla, which gave away three goals on individual blunders.

The resounding victory at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium left Atletico seven points behind Barcelona, which trounced Girona 6-1 on Saturday.

Third-place Real Madrid, which defeated Alaves 4-0 on Saturday, is seven points behind Atletico.

Sevilla dropped to sixth place, 10 points behind four-place Valencia in the last qualification spot for the Champions League.

Costa opened the scoring after Ever Banega's mistake in the 29th minute. The midfielder didn't notice that the Atletico striker was behind him while trying to play a ball just outside the area, and easily lost possession.