Atletico Madrid’s Dramatic Victory Over Real Betis Shakes Up LaLiga Title Race—What This Means for the Top Four Battle

Atletico Madrid finally found their groove on Monday night, snagging a vital 2-0 victory against Real Betis that nudged them up to fourth place in La Liga. After that brutal 4-0 shellacking at Arsenal last week, the team looked like they’d thrown off the shackles of disappointment, showing up with a steely resolve at the makeshift La Cartuja Stadium — Betis’s temporary home. This wasn’t just any win; it was Atletico’s first away triumph this season, and only their second clean sheet in nine games. Something’s definitely clicking on the defensive end for Diego Simeone’s men, who’d been uncharacteristically wobbly lately. Young Giuliano Simeone, with a sharp volley early on, and newcomer Alex Baena, bending in a beauty before halftime, laid down a strong statement. I can’t help but think this match might just be the turning point Jan Oblak hopes it is. But Betis didn’t roll over — they came close after the break, rattling the crossbar and testing Atletico’s solid backline marshaled by Giménez and Danilo. All told, this victory keeps Atletico in the hunt, though still eight points behind Real Madrid, the lone team they’ve beaten so far. And the heartfelt touch of Giuliano dedicating his goal to his newborn nephew Faustino adds a bit of warmth to what’s been a tough spell. Meanwhile, Pellegrini’s Betis remain just behind in sixth, their hopes still alive. It’s a tale of resilience, grit, and a potential shift in momentum — and I’m eager to see where it goes from here. LEARN MORE

Atletico Madrid earned a much-needed 2-0 win at Real Betis on Monday to climb to fourth in La Liga and respond to last week’s Champions League humiliation at Arsenal.

Diego Simeone’s side, thrashed 4-0 in North London, produced a composed performance at La Cartuja Stadium, where Betis are playing temporarily, to claim their first away victory of the season.

It was also only their second clean sheet in nine matches across all competitions, a sign of renewed defensive discipline from a team that has looked uncharacteristically fragile in recent weeks.

Giuliano Simeone, the coach’s son, opened the scoring early on with a crisp volley from the edge of the box – his first goal of the campaign.

Summer signing Alex Baena doubled the lead before half-time, bending in a fine effort to register his first for the club and cap a dominant first-half display.

Goalkeeper Jan Oblak praised his teammates’ resilience afterwards. “It was an important win, hard-fought,” he told Movistar. “We’ve struggled away from home, so I hope this is a turning point.”

Betis improved after the break and came closest when Abde Ezzalzouli struck the crossbar from a free-kick, but Atletico’s back line, marshalled by José María Giménez and Danilo, held firm.

The victory leaves Atletico eight points behind leaders Real Madrid, the only team they have beaten so far this season. Giuliano Simeone dedicated his goal celebration to his newborn nephew Faustino – Diego Simeone’s first grandchild.

“Nothing changes for me,” the Atletico boss joked after the match, while congratulating his son on his performance.

Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis remain sixth, three points adrift of Atletico. “We lacked sharpness in the final third,” admitted Giovani Lo Celso. “But we worked hard, and the fans were with us all the way.”