Kanoute propels Sevilla to triumph

Sep 13, 2008 - 11:17 PM By PA SportsTicker

Frederic Kanoute scored twice to lead Sevilla to a thrilling 4-3 win over Sporting Gijon on Saturday night.

The striker netted in the 36th and 60th minutes, adding to goals from Javier Chevanton (22) and Enzo Maresca (37) for Sevilla.

A hat trick from Mate Bilic was not enough for Sporting Gijon, despite it being two up within 20 minutes. Bilic notched in the 18th and 20th minutes and made it 3-3 from the penalty spot on the stroke of halftime.

But after Kanoute's second, Sevilla hung on for all three points.

Barcelona's disappointing start to the season continued on Saturday night with a 1-1 draw at home to Racing Santander.

Pep Guardiola's side were seeking a morale-boosting victory to erase the memories of their opening-day defeat at newcomers Numancia, but were well below par against an ultra-defensive Racing outfit.

Lionel Messi finally gave the Catalans the lead from the penalty spot with 20 minutes left, but the visitors hit back shortly afterward through Jonathan Pereira.

Atletico Madrid's dream start to the season came to an abrupt end as they lost 2-1 to 10-man Real Valladolid.

Atletico came into the game on the back of consecutive 4-0 victories, but were two goals behind after 30 minutes thanks to Angel Vivar Dorado (four) and a Javier Baraja penalty.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men just minutes before winning the decisive spot-kick when Pedro Lopez received two yellow cards in 10 minutes.

But despite its numerical disadvantage Valladolid were able to hold on even after Argentinian star Sergio Aguero had come off the bench to claw a goal back for Atletico just after halftime.