Atletico Madrid travelled to Real Betis on Sunday knowing that three points would see them move above Real Madrid and into second position in the La Liga table.
The visitors took the lead in the seventh minute when Koke converted from inside the box and that strike was what separated the two teams at the interval.
Both teams had chances to add to the scoring in the second period, but neither could register in the second 45 minutes as Diego Simeone's side moved behind Barcelona in the table.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from Seville as Real Betis welcome Atletico Madrid to the Estadio Benito Villamarin. Betis' form has been a little shaky in recent weeks, but they did beat Malaga in their last match before the international break. Atletico, meanwhile, are going well this season, but have been a little unconvincing on their travels. It should be an entertaining game this evening!
The omens are not exactly great for Betis tonight, with the hosts losing each of their last four league games with Atletico, failing to score in three of those. What's more, they have gone six consecutive home games without beating Atletico in La Liga, losing five times in the process. Their last league meeting in this stadium was in March 2014, when Atletico recorded a 2-0 victory during what was a title-winning campaign for Diego Simeone's side. Atletico probably the favourites then!
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news...
TEAMS:
BETIS: Adan; Piccini, Bruno, Westermann, Varela; Torres, Digard, N'Diaye; Cejudo, Castro, Joaquin
ATLETICO: Oblak; Gamez, Godin, Savic, Luis; Gabi, Tiago, Koke; Carrasco, Torres, Griezmann
So there we have it. Pepe Mel's Betis will seemingly operate in a 4-3-3 formation this evening, with Alvaro Cejudo and Joaquin flanking Ruben Castro, who has scored seven league goals this season. Alfred N'Diaye and Didier Digard also start in midfield alongside vice-captain Xavi Torres, but experienced Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart is only on the bench, as is club captain Jorge Molina.
As for Atletico, their main two absentees are at full-back and centre-forward, with Juanfran and Jackson Martinez both unavailable through injury. Jesus Gamez fills in at right-back, while Fernando Torres is given the nod through the middle. Elsewhere, Stefan Savic is preferred to Jose Gimenez at centre-back, while Yannick Ferreira Carrasco starts ahead of Angel Correa. Argentine forward Luciano Vietto is also back in the squad following a period on the sidelines with appendicitis.
The teams are in and we are now around 40 minutes from kickoff in Seville. Betis were relegated from La Liga at the end of the 2013-14 season, but spent just one campaign in the Segunda – winning the title to return to Spain's top flight. They are a newly-promoted team, but have plenty of experience at this level. In fact, they have played La Liga football in 12 of their last 15 seasons.
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It has been a solid rather than spectacular start to the new 2015-16 La Liga season for Betis, with 15 points leaving them in 12th position in the table. They have won four of their 11 matches, drawing three times and also losing four. Goals have been a bit of a problem with just 11 scored, while they have conceded 16 times. Their form in recent weeks, as mentioned, has been a little shaky.
A 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano at the start of October moved them into a comfortable top-half position, but they were then beaten 3-1 at home by Espanyol, before drawing with Granada. Next came a 3-1 defeat at home to Athletic Bilbao, but Mel's side entered the international break with a 1-0 win over Malaga under their belt. Their form has been a bit inconsistent thus far this term.
Betis do have some winnable games coming up, however, facing Levante, Sporting Gijon and Las Palmas in three of their next four La Liga fixtures. While surviving is the main aim this season, they finished seventh in the 2012-13 season and have also finished fourth this side of 2000. It is a club with a rich history and indeed with a fan base that certainly deserves to grace this level of football.
Ruben Castro might well be 34 years of age, but he continues to find the back of the net for Los Verdiblancos. The Spaniard has hit an incredible 110 goals in 188 games for Betis – the club he joined from Deportivo La Coruna in 2010. This season, the striker has netted seven times in 11 matches and while those are excellent numbers, Betis need to be careful they do not rely on him too much!
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As for Atletico, they will enter this match in third position in the table. Victory this evening, however, would move Simeone's side above Real Madrid into second. Last night, Real Madrid were thumped 4-0 in El Clasico, which has handed Atletico a chance to move behind Barcelona in the division. I suspect that a few in the capital would have enjoyed seeing Real Madrid lose in such fashion.
Simeone's side have won seven of their 11 league games, drawing twice and losing twice. They also have the best defensive record in the league having only conceded six times thus far, but goals have been a bit of a problem with just 16 scored. The capital side should be there or there abouts at the summit once again this season, but their new signings are taking a bit of time to settle in.
The 2013-14 La Liga champions needed a late strike from Antoine Griezmann last time out to record a 1-0 win over Sporting Gijon, which continued their unbeaten run in all competitions, which now stretches seven matches. Back-to-back defeats against Villarreal and Benfica made it a difficult end to September, but the capital side have shown their character in recent weeks.
Since losing to Benfica on September 30, they have drawn with Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna, and beaten Astana, Valencia and Sporting Gijon. In truth, if Atletico are going to challenge for the title this season then Betis away is the type of game that they need to be winning. Victory tonight would place them in a strong position entering next week's home match against Espanyol.
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Atletico will also be in Champions League action during the week, with the capital side welcoming Galatasaray to the Vicente Calderon. As it stands, Simeone's side sit second in Group C, two points behind the leaders Benfica. In truth, it would be a big surprise if they did not manage to qualify for the knockout stages and victory against Galatasaray would make that a certainty with a game to spare.
There have been rumblings that Jackson Martinez could be looking to leave Atletico, despite only joining from Porto in the summer. The Colombian has only scored twice in the league this season and just once in the Champions League. The 29-year-old misses out this evening through injury and the onus will therefore be on Fernando Torres and Antoine Griezmann to provide a goal threat.
PREDICTION! I fancy Atletico to just nick this tonight. Betis have plenty of talented players in their XI, but I just think that the visitors have enough about them to record all the points and move into second position in the process. It should be a tight and cagey affair, but for me, Atletico 2-1.
Here we go then - both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first 45 minutes in Seville. This match completes Sunday's action in Spain's top flight and it is a big chance for Atletico to capitalise on Real Madrid's thumping El Clasico defeat. Betis will need to be at their best to stop them tonight.
First of all, there will be a tribute to the victims of the recent terrorism attack in Paris, which saw more than 130 people lose their lives across the city. Football stands together once again.
KICKOFF! It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. The home supporters are expecting a strong performance from their team and it will be up to Atletico to quiet the fans! Right, the away side get the first period of action underway tonight...
... it has been a decent start from the visitors, with an attack already building down the right, before Luis picks up the pieces following a deep cross. Atletico are going for the throat in the early exchanges, which is not much of a surprise. Simeone always sends out such an intense outfit.
Betis have just managed to settle in the last couple of minutes, with Torres seeing plenty of the ball in the middle of the park. You just get the feeling that it could be a tough night for Castro in the Betis attack. Even in the early stages, the 34-year-old is being so tightly marked by Godin.
Not much to report in terms of chances in the opening six minutes, but Atletico are enjoying more of the possession and indeed drawing fouls from the home side, with N'Diaye a little late on Koke. It must be said that the pitch is in wonderful condition this evening. No excuses for Atletico on that front.
GOAL! Betis 0-1 Atletico (Koke)
First blood to Atletico! The visitors take the lead in the seventh minute as Koke strokes home from inside the box after Adan had kept out a stinging strike from Torres. Not sure about some of the defending from the home team, but Adan could do little with Torres's effort and Koke pounced!
BOOKING! Luis (Atletico) is booked following an aerial challenge on Joaquin.
Atletico have done exactly what they needed to do - quieten the home supporters early on. The onus is now on Betis to press forward, which will leave space on the counter for the visitors here.
Decent pressure from Betis as Digard pokes a low cross into the Atletico box, but the danger is scrambled clear and Atletico can press down-field once again. I thought that this would be a tight and cagey affair for long spells, but with the game as it is, I can see a lot of goals tonight.
Another half-chance for Atletico as a smart move ends with Torres picking out Koke on the edge of the box, but the Spaniard's effort was always moving away from goal. Nice build-up there.
You just get the feeling that the second goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital. It is difficult to imagine Betis recovering if they fall 2-0 behind, especially against this Atletico defence, which statistically is the best in the league. Atletico continue to probe in the final third of the field here.
Another half-chance for Atletico as Carrasco does brilliantly to pick out Griezmann, who delivers towards the far post, but Gamez has a fresh-air shot. The ball is recycled and delivered from the right, but Griezmann cannot make proper contact and the danger is cleared. Betis are under pressure.
So, 20 minutes on the clock and it is going to plan for Atletico, who would move into second with all three points tonight. In truth, Betis have not really laid a glove on the visitors thus far tonight.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Atletico remain in control of the possession as they switch the ball across the pitch. Composed performance from the visitors.
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico to score a second in Seville as Luis drives down the left before picking out Torres, who flicks one into the path of Griezmann, but the Frenchman's volleyed effort is over the crossbar. It would have been a quite wonderful goal from Simeone's side.
Betis are really struggling to get their wide players into the game at the moment, with Cejudo and Joaquin very quiet in the opening 26 minutes. Castro has also seen very little of the ball.
BOOKING! Tiago (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Joaquin.
Following that Tiago challenge, where he seemed to win the ball, the resulting free kick was played short into Digard, who had a strike on goal, but it was a very comfortable save for Oblak.
Betis have managed to push their two full-backs forward in the last few minutes, but the home side have still not created a single chance of note in the opening 32 minutes of this contest. Atletico are in control of the tempo and indeed carry a big threat on the counter. Betis need some inspiration!
Better from Betis as N'Diaye drives through the heart of the Atletico midfield before releasing a strike, but his effort was always moving over the crossbar. Good piece of intent there though.
Ferreira Carrasco has been the pick of the Atletico attacks thus far this evening, with the Belgian always a threat when he picks up possession. There have not really been any clear chances since Griezmann volleyed over from inside the box, but the visitors remain in control of the contest.
Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining in Seville and the two teams are still separated by that Koke strike in the seventh minute. Since then, both defences have been on top here.
BOOKING! Gamez (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Castro.
A deep free kick threatens to cause problems inside the Atletico box, but Bruno's flicked header is over the crossbar and Atletico restart with a goal kick. Betis need a late push in this half here.
Godin, as expected, makes first contact on a deep Koke corner inside the Betis box, but his header drops into the arms of Adan, who was in a perfect position. Betis break down the other end with Piccini, who has not been afraid to advance into the final third, but the danger is eventually cleared.
CHANCE! Excellent chance for Atletico to score a second as Koke pokes a super pass into the feet of Carrasco, who advances into a one-on-one situation with Adan, but the Belgian goes for the near post and misses the target. That would have been a real hammer blow for Betis!
HALF-TIME: Betis 0-1 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Atletico leading 1-0 courtesy of a seventh-minute goal from Koke, who converted from close range after Adan had kept out Torres. All of the chances have come for Atletico, who as it stands, are going second in the table.
STATS! Atletico have dominated the possession in Seville with 57%, while they have had seven attempts - three of which were on target. Betis, meanwhile, hit the target with just one of their attempts in the first half and it was a tame effort from Digard. Somewhat surprisingly, there have been three yellow cards issued, all of which have been handed to Atletico (Luis, Tiago and Gamez).
BENCH WATCH! You sense that Betis need a bit more in the final third and head coach Mel has plenty of options on his bench in the shape of Ceballos, Molina and a certain Van der Vaart. Atletico, meanwhile, have the likes of Correa, Saul, Oliver Torres and Vietto in reserve for this contest.
RESTART! Here we go then - both sets of players re-join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Betis find a route back into the match? It will be tough! The hosts resume the action in Seville...
... BETIS SUB! Ceballos has replaced Torres at the break.
It is certainly a positive move from Mel, with 19-year-old Ceballos certain to provide more of a threat in the final third. Betis have to score the next goal in this match, they really do.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the early moments of this second period, but there is certainly more intent from the hosts, with Castro chasing down two back-passes into Oblak. Atletico manage to break down the left with Luis, but Betis have men back to clear the threat.
Betis have only scored 11 league goals this season and seven of them have come from Castro. It is nice to have a striker in such fine form, but the lack of goals from elsewhere has been a problem in the early part of the campaign. Down the other end, Torres turns back the clock with a lovely turn inside the box, but the striker takes one touch too many and Bruno manages to make the tackle.
BOOKING! Bruno (Betis) is booked for taking out Torres.
The resulting free kick from that Bruno foul is delivered towards Godin and it brings a sickening collision between the Atletico centre-back and Adan in the Betis goal. Both players are down.
Replays have shown that it was a horror clash of heads. Terrible.
Godin has a nasty cut on his head, while Adan's nose is not in the best shape at the moment. Not a surprise that play has stopped and I am unsure whether Godin will be able to continue here.
Both players shake hands and it appears that the pair will continue, which is brilliant to see. How long that lasts is another question, but as it stands, Godin and Adan both play on in this game.
There is a quick tempo about the match at the moment as both teams continue to commit players in the final third, but there has not been a clear opportunity of note in this second period. It reminds me of Atletico's away clash against Deportivo towards the end of last month, which finished 1-1.
SAVE! Wonderful chance for Betis to level as Cejudo unleashes a stunning strike from outside the box, but it is a sensational save form Adan, who tips the ball over the crossbar!
Decent little rally from Betis as they threaten with a couple of crosses into the Atletico box, but the visitors are so strong at the back and manage to clear. Still 1-0 Atletico just past the hour here.
Adan has a problem with his foot and it does not appear that he will be able to continue...
... BETIS SUB! Dani Gimenez replaces Adan here.
Good grief! Godin takes another blow to the head as N'Diaye throws himself at a cross from Cejudo. Godin has seriously been in the wars in the last few minutes, but I am sure he will be up soon!
Of course Godin is back on his feet. This man is just a complete warrior.
There has been some spice about this match and that continues as N'Diaye flies into a challenge with Carrasco, who has been quiet since the restart. Still no movement on the Atletico bench at the moment, but I suspect that Simeone will be considering a change as we approach the final 20 minutes.
Godin finds space inside the Betis box before meeting a free kick from Gabi, but his header is straight into the arms of the Betis goalkeeper, who stood on his line. Godin - what a man!
ATLETICO SUB! Vietto enters the frame in place of Torres.
The passing has been crisper from Betis in the second period, but they are still struggling to create clear chances. Still plenty of time for that to occur, however. Game very much in the balance!
CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Griezmann to send Atletico two goals ahead after beating the offside trap, but the Frenchman fires over the crossbar from close range. Some opportunity that!
PENALTY SHOUT! Atletico have a big shout for a penalty as Griezmann goes down inside the Betis box under a challenge from Westermann, but the referee is not interested. Good grief that is a serious let-off for the home team. The German centre-back clearly fouled Griezmann there!
I still cannot get over that call from the referee. It was one of the clearest penalties that you will see all season, but the official was not interested. It has given Betis a serious lifeline in this game.
BOOKING! Gabi (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Castro.
BETIS SUB! Molina replaces Joaquin.
ATLETICO SUB! Oliver Torres replaces Carrasco.
Little over 10 minutes of football remaining and you do sense that there is another goal in this match. Betis are committing more and more players forward and have a strike on goal when Bruno releases, but Oblak was down to make the save. It is so delicately poised at this stage of the game.
ATLETICO SUB! Saul Niguez enters the field in place of Koke.
Digard is hobbling around the field at the moment, but Betis have made all three changes. It looks like a hamstring problem and Betis are effectively playing with 10 men as things stand here.
Digard cannot continue. Betis will finish with 10 men.
It is Betis on the front foot as we enter the final five minutes, but Atletico are just so strong at the back. Godin and Savic have both been immense and their clean sheet remains in tact here.
Gabi unleashes a strike from outside the box, but his effort was always swinging wide.
End-to-end football in the last couple of minutes as Griezmann and Castro take it in turns to drive into the final third, but neither attack comes to anything and more seconds drift away here. As it stands, Atletico are moving into second position in the table with a hard-fought three points.
POST! Atletico come close to putting this game to bed as Griezmann picks up the pieces inside the box before firing one towards the bottom corner, but his effort smashes against the post!
Atletico should have finished this game in the last couple of minutes - Betis are giving them so much space in the box! Instead it is the home side who are now driving forward!
Four additional minutes to be played!
This game is just to stretched at the moment as the play continues to flow from end-to-end, withy Vietto's pace causing the home side all sorts of problems. Still 1-0 with 90+2 on the clock here.
There are some very, very tired legs out there at the moment, but it does appear that Atletico are going to get over the line. It has not been easy, but this would be a massive three points.
Oblak somehow drops a cross from the left and panic sets in inside the Atletico defence, but the referee had blown for a free kick, with Molina making contact with the goalkeeper. Wow!
FULL-TIME: Betis 0-1 Atletico
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Atletico recording all the points in Seville. Koke's first-half effort proved the difference, with the three points moving Simeone's side into second. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
