Liga – 27th day: Atlético Madrid wins at Betis (1-3) with a brace from Joao Felix

Atlético Madrid have signed an undoubtedly crucial victory in the race for Europe. Thanks in particular to a double from Joao Félix, the Colchoneros brought back three points from their perilous trip to the lawn of Betis Sevilla, direct competitor (1-3). After a rather lackluster first period, despite opening the quick score, they were able to pass the second after returning from the locker room. This success allows Atlético Madrid to move up into the top 4, two points ahead of Betis Sevilla. In short, it is an excellent operation.

The poster between Atlético Madrid and Betis Sevilla has kept all its promises, due to the stakes. Even if the meeting, very physical and tense, first took the form of a massacre. Andrés Guardado (11th), Sime Vrsaljko (21st) and Angel Correa (27th) have in turn given up their place due to injury. Everything had however started well for the Colchoneros, scorers on their very first action when Correa, precisely, served Joao Félix on a plateau (0-1, 2nd). In front of the scoreboard, Atlético Madrid nevertheless believed a little too much that scoring a single goal would be enough. It was without counting the good reaction of Betis Sevilla, who dominated in the intentions of the first 45 minutes.

Atlético is back in the top 4

Manuel Pellegrini’s men were also rewarded for their efforts, after several clear chances (39th, 44th). It was Cristian Tello who was responsible for equalizing, taking advantage of good pressing from Youssouf Sabaly on Hector Herrera (1-1, 45th + 5). He could even have afforded a double, without the decisive intervention of Jan Oblak (49th). The Colchoneros goalkeeper played his match, then being vigilant on a direct corner (50th). These alerts woke up Atlético Madrid, spurred on by the substitutes. Because if Félix offered himself a double (1-2, 61st), the goal of the break was scored by Thomas Lemar, entered at the break, on a pass from Antoine Griezmann (1-3, 81st), while the latter had just come up against Claudio Bravo (80th).

With this fourth success in five league games, the people of Madrid are definitely repositioning themselves with a view to obtaining a ticket for the future Champions League. Beating a direct opponent is always great news in a final sprint. The Matelassiers even come up to FC Barcelona, ​​​​which certainly has one game less. Betis Sevilla is marking time, with a second loss in a row in La Liga. Nabil Fekir and his teammates may have regrets: they tried a lot, but they didn’t score enough.