Real Betis claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid to rise to fifth in La Liga, sitting just behind Atletico, who suffered their first league loss of the season. The game’s lone goal came in the fourth minute when Abde Ezzalzouli’s low cross deflected off Axel Witsel and ricocheted off Jose Maria Gimenez into Atletico’s net, marking an unfortunate start for the visitors.
Atletico faced early pressure as Betis threatened to extend their lead. Ezzalzouli missed a golden chance in the 15th minute, slicing wide with only Jan Oblak to beat, and later rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike after being set up by Vitor Roque in the 27th minute. Betis continued to control the game, while Atletico struggled, managing only a tame long-range effort from Antoine Griezmann for Rui Silva to save.
In the second half, Diego Simeone’s double substitution initially boosted Atletico’s attack, with Griezmann and Julian Alvarez testing Silva early on. Betis regained control, though, and nearly secured a penalty after Pablo Fornals struck the post and tangled with Javi Galan, but a VAR review overturned the call.
Atletico came close to equalizing in the closing minutes. Alexander Sorloth set up Angel Correa, whose effort hit the post, and moments later, Correa struck the opposite post from an Alvarez free-kick. Betis held firm to notch their seventh home win in eight, while Atletico’s unbeaten away run in La Liga ended with their first loss since April.
