Atletico Madrid regain La Liga top spot with draw against Real Betis

Athletico Madrid are back in the top spot after a 1-1 draw against Real Betis at on Sunday in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid go to the top of La Liga Santander with a 1-1 draw against Real Betis; credit:twitter/@atletienglish
By Sreejith C R | Apr 12, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Atletico Madrid are back in the La Liga top spot after a 1-1 draw against Real Betis at Benito Villamarin on Sunday. The draw gave them a one point lead over city rivals Real Madrid.

Atletico took the lead in the fifth minute of the game itself. Belgian international Yannick Carrasco slotted home into an empty goal following a scramble in the area.

Betis, however, equalized in the 20th minute through Cristian Tello. Tello scored from inside the box, meeting an Alex Moreno cross from the left flank.

Real Madrid had taken the top spot after their 2-1 El Clasico victory over Barcelona on Saturday. Atletico have 67 points from 30 games and Real Madrid and Barcelona have 66 points and 65 points, respectively, from same number of games.

Both the goalkeepers played a vital role in ensuring that no one took the three points. Former Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo made a superb save to deny Saul Niguez  in the 14th minute. He also denied Angel Correa in the dying minutes of the game.

At the other end, Jan Oblak was at his imperious best and denied both Emerson and Diego Lainez.

Injuries and resistance

Injuries picked up during the game, however, are a cayse for concern. Joao Felix suffered an ankle injury after a tackle from Betis defender Aissa Mandi.

Right back Kieran Trippier was substituted late in the game after he picked up a back injury. Atletico Madrid are currently also without Luiz Suarez, Marcos Llorente, Moussa Dembele and Geoffrey Kondogbia.

However, manager Diego Simeone called for ‘resistance’ from his side to see the rest of the campaign through.

“In the second half we suffered. But I have footballers who give everything,” said Simeone after the match.

“We are in a moment of resistance. Resist, that’s a word that appeals to me. Resist, like all of society in these difficult times.”

Off late, Atletico have picked up just two wins in the last five La Liga games. In contrast, both Real Madrid and Barcelona have won four of their last five games.





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