A quick and predatorily finish from Koke in the early stages of the match was enough for Atlético Madrid to overcome a resilient Real Betis on Sunday.
More importantly, the result see the Rojiblancos leap over city rivals, Real Madrid, into second place on the La Liga table.
Real Betis, who in 12th place had the chance to jump to 8th spot with a win, fielded a strong attacking team to capture the vital three points, however, it was the away side that threatened from the opening of the match. Diego Simeone went in favour of his preferred 4-4-2 formation, with Fernando Torres, Stefan Savić and Jesús Gámez all coming into the starting XI due to the injuries sustained by Jackson Martínez, Juanfran and José Giménez.
Torres began the match brightly, knowing full well of his chance to impress in Martínez’ absence and after Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco played in the Spaniard on goal, it was a low drilled shot which lead to the opening goal. The initial attempt by Torres was well saved by Antonio Adán, however, the goalkeeper was unable to clear the ball into safety and Koke was there to place it back into the net.
Betis tried getting into the game, yet while Atléti comfortably controlled and dominated possession in the first-half, Simeone would have been disappointed the lead was not extended in the 23rd minute when Antoine Griezmann had a great chance to score, with his volleyed attempt failing to hit the target.
Shortly after, Álvaro Cejudo and Alfred N’Diaye tried equalising for Betis, yet could not beat the in-form Jan Oblak or find the target. However, it was not only Real Betis who were wasteful in the final third, with Carrasco having an excellent chance to extend the score just before halftime. The Belgian somehow missed the goal completely, much to Simeone’s frustrations.
The second-half continued with Atléti dominanting possession, but the hosts came out with more intention and energy as Cejudo’s shot from distance produced an acrobatic save from Oblak. Griezmann, Gabi, Cejudo and Bruno Gonzalez all had opportunities late on to give their side’s a vital goal, though much to Simeone and Atléti’s delight, the Madrid side were able to take the three points away from home and leap over their city rivals into second, four points adrift of league leaders Barcelona.
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