Atletico Madrid Stumbles at Home Against Real Betis

In light of Thursday’s heavy 5-0 defeat in the Copa del Rey Quarter-Finals, it was expected that Atletico Madrid would seize the initiative from the start.

Lookman Makes Impact on Debut

Ademola Lookman, who scored during his debut in the aforementioned match, was eager to add to his tally and nearly did so in the 10th minute with a shot that narrowly missed the far post.

Betis Holds Firm

Real Betis absorbed the early pressure and responded with two excellent opportunities, both times through striker Cedric Bakambu. However, Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak was up to the task, denying Bakambu on two separate occasions.

First Half Breakthrough

As the game progressed, the visitors took the lead in the 28th minute. Oblak managed only a touch on Antony’s curling shot from outside the box, which ended up in the net at the near post. This marked Antony’s 18th contribution of the season across all competitions, prompting a dip in Atletico’s morale.

Lookman thought he had leveled the score shortly before halftime, but his goal was disallowed due to an offside flag.

Second Half Changes

This match marked the first time Atletico trailed at halftime in La Liga this season. In response, head coach Diego Simeone made a crucial triple substitution during the break, introducing Robin Le Normand, Alex Baena, and Alexander Sorloth in place of Matteo Ruggeri, Thiago Almada, and Julian Alvarez.

Near Miss for Atletico

Sorloth came close to finding the equalizer with a powerful header that struck the crossbar shortly after the hour mark. His follow-up effort, however, was directed straight at Alvaro Valles, the Betis goalkeeper.

Controversial Disallowed Goal

Atletico’s frustration grew when a header by Betis defender Diego Llorente inadvertently went into his own net in the 74th minute. This potential equalizer was disallowed following a prolonged VAR review, as Antoine Griezmann was deemed to be offside earlier in the play.

Final Push Fails

As Atletico aimed to secure an equalizer and extend their unbeaten home streak in La Liga — which included ten consecutive league victories at Estadio Metropolitano — Betis remained resolute, ultimately winning the match and breaking their seven-match losing streak against Atletico in top-flight meetings.

Highlights and Aftermath

Manager Manuel Pellegrini was pleased with his team’s tenacity and performance, especially after their recent defeat, as this victory keeps Real Betis in fifth place in La Liga, in pursuit of a UEFA Champions League spot.

Atletico Madrid remains in third position, but their title aspirations are waning, now trailing leaders Barcelona by 13 points.

Man of the Match: Antony (Real Betis)

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