Sevilla flying high in La Liga

Barcelona: A brilliant free kick by Sevilla midfielder Joan Jordan earned a 1-0 victory at Alaves and lifted his team to the top of the Spanish league on Sunday.

Jordan struck a dipping free kick over the defensive wall that goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco could only watch land in his net in the 38th minute.

The win at Alaves moved Sevilla into first place. Atletico Madrid are one point behind, followed by Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao two points back. Defending champions Barcelona and Real Sociedad are three points off the pace.

“The free kick was in a perfect spot,” Jordan said. “Being in the lead at this point is not important. It’s winning all three of our road games so far. That’s very difficult. It is thanks to the hard work of all the team.”