Earlier in the week they had already faced each other in the Copa del Rey and just three days later Atlético Madrid and Real Betis were back on the pitch together. On Thursday Los Verdiblancos were humiliated at home, losing 0:5. A defeat like that makes you hungry for revenge and the chance came quickly although it would not be easy.
The home side has a formidable reputation in their own stadium. This season in La Liga they had not lost a single match at the Metropolitano. At home they always seem able to find that extra gear. Furthermore, if we have a look in the history books, the last time Betis won in Atlético was in 2011. With the deadline day arrival of Ademola Lookman the team of Diego Diego Simeone strengthened significantly in attack. In his debut Lookman immediately delivered a goal and an assist.
After Thunderstruck by AC/DC and the club’s legendary anthem played through the stadium it was time for kickoff. Before the match the stadium announcer gave a special mention to Rodrigo Riquelme who now plays for Betis. Although he made only 75 appearances for Atlético he remains a beloved figure because he spent nearly his entire youth career at the club. It was a beautiful gesture, but something I didn’t expected for a player with not the biggest history at a club. This shows once again that Atlético is a real family club.
Just like in el Estadio Benito Villamarín in Seville Atlético came out firing. This produced chances for both sides. The home team’s defensive line was positioned unusually high for their typical style. That created openings early in the match. Cédric Bakambu was sent through twice but was denied both times by a sharp Jan Oblak. Then came a chance for Alvarez, who has not scored in La Liga since the first of November, but he could not convert.
What Betis had failed to do earlier in the week suddenly happened. They scored. In the 28th minute the ball fell to the flamboyant Antony at the edge of the box. He was given time and space and placed the ball into the right corner. The stadium fell silent but with Thursday’s score in mind the fans still believed a comeback was possible. It even seemed to be happening just before halftime when Lookman headed in a cross from Marcos Llorente. However the goal was disallowed for offside. In the cup match Atlético led three to zero at the break. Now Betis held the advantage. Football can change dramatically in only a few days.
In the second half Atlético quickly took control. They wanted to avoid their first home defeat in the league. After the loss to FK Bodø/Glimt it would have been their second home defeat in a row. Despite many chances Atlético ran into an excellent Juan Musso and some puzzling decisions from the referee.
The substitutes almost made the difference. Around the hour mark Alexander Sørloth nearly scored with a header after a good corner from Antoine Griezmann but Musso produced a strong save. Soon after it looked like the equalizer had finally arrived. After a fantastic combination on the right Giuliano Simeone sent a perfect ball across the goal. and Betis defender Diego Llorente headed it into his own net. The stadium erupted but the referee intervened. From the stands it was unclear what had happened but shortly after the goal was disallowed. Griezmann who had made contact with Llorente was offside by only a few millimeters. To the frustration of the home fans Betis escaped. Simeone and his whole team felt robbed.
The expected late goal never came. Riquelme who had been honoured before the match came very close to making it two nill. In a one on one with Oblak he chose a soft chip attempt.
The match ended 0:1. The single goal from Antony was enough to take all three points back to Andalusia. Football moves quickly. On Thursday Real Betis suffered a heavy defeat. A few days later they kept a clean sheet against the same opponent. For the first time this season Atlético failed to score in their home stadium. It resulted in their first league defeat. After two consecutive losses Atlético will soon host FC Barcelona and coach Hansi Flick in the Copa del Rey. If they hope to reach their first Copa del Rey final since 2013, they will have to show much more.
Real Betis celebrated their first ever victory at the Metropolitano. With this win and their strong form they are firmly in the race for a top four finish which would secure a place in the Champions League.
