Potential new challenge for Real Madrid and Barcelona: A win against Betis launches Atlético Madrid into 2nd place in La Liga

Real Betis 2:4 Atético Madrid

(25’ Agra), (45’ Juanfran {own goal}); (28’ Falcao), (47’ Falcao {penalty}), (55’ Costa), (90’ Garcia)

What a match for Atlético Madrid! Although they ended the first half down by one goal, Los Colchoneros came out on top at the whistle, winning the match by two goals. Now that Atleti has played the same amount of matches as the rest of the La Liga contenders, they have established their place just two points under current leaders, Barcelona.

Atleti played the first half well, but while they had opportunities, so did Betis and it was Betis who managed to score first in the 25^th minute. It was an interesting goal, Agra sent a long ball from the 18 and Miranda tried to deflect it off the bounce. However, the ball bounced by him and into the net. It wasn’t the cleanest goal; the luck was certainly on the home team’s side.

Though Betis was pleased with their early lead, Radamel Falcao was not. Only three minutes later the Colombian equalized.  Raul García sent a low shot at the net, and Falcao beat the defender to the ball and got his foot on it as he slid, sending the ball right past the keeper. El Tigre then proceeded to jump into the air in victory of his 6^th goal of the season.

Despite playing well following Falcao’s goal, Los Colchoneros ended the half on a rather sour note. Betis managed to sneak a goal in via Juanfran before the half. In attempts to deflect a cross that was already headed toward the net, the Spanish defender aided the ball into the net, leaving for an unfortunate end to the half for Atleti. Surely, El Cholo was not too happy at halftime; however, what he said at half time proved effective.

The second half saw some real drama with two of the home side’s players ejected from the match. Two minutes into the second half, a red card on Perquis gave Atleti a penalty.  El Tigre geared up for his fourth penalty of the season and just like the last three times, he effortless scored as the keeper dove in the opposite direction.

With Betis one man down, Atleti had a clear advantage. With this in mind, Simeone subbed Falcao off five minutes after his penalty shot due to a thigh strain. Diego Costa entered the pitch and scored within two minutes of his introduction. Betis suddenly saw themselves losing and their frustrations were apparent in the three yellow cards they received by the match end. 

The yellow card given to Joel Campbell was especially costly and controversial. It was his second yellow card, putting him out of the game. However, the card was for a handball that touched Felipe Louis’ hand then Campbell’s hand. The officials said it touched Campbell then Felipe Louis then Campbell, though the Betis manager begs to differ.

Now playing with a nine-man squad, Betis struggled through the remainder of the half. Los Rojiblancos stuck it to them further yet with a fourth goal scored in the 90^th minute.  Arda Turan assisted Raul Garcia to finish the game on a happy note for Atleti. 

Written by Donais Deetz