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Atlético Madrid brought Real Betis’ impressive eight-game unbeaten run to a halt with a composed 2–0 victory on Monday night, climbing into the La Liga top four in the process.
Both sides entered the contest level on points and unbeaten since August, setting up a tight battle at Estadio de La Cartuja. Yet it took Atlético just five minutes to draw first blood.
A long throw from Dávid Hancko caused chaos in the Betis box, and Giuliano Simeone reacted quickest, firing a crisp volley beyond Pau López to silence the home crowd.
Betis attempted to respond through Antony and Cucho Hernández, but Jan Oblak stood firm while Atlético continued to threaten on the counter. The visitors’ energy and precision were eventually rewarded just before the interval.
Julián Álvarez led a swift break, and though his initial cross was cleared, Álex Baena retrieved the ball on the left, cut inside, and curled a beautiful strike into the far corner to double the advantage.
Manuel Pellegrini reshuffled his side at halftime, introducing Giovani Lo Celso for Marc Roca to inject more creativity. The Argentine midfielder went close with a pair of efforts, and Abde Ezzalzouli struck the crossbar from a free-kick as Betis pushed to get back into the contest. However, Atlético’s defence, anchored by José María Giménez, stood unshakeable.
Betis dominated possession but lacked cutting edge, failing to score in a league game for the first time since January.
For Diego Simeone’s men, it was a statement win on the road — their first away triumph of the season — and one that reasserts their credentials as serious contenders near the top of the table.
