MATCH REPORT | Opportunity lost (1-0)

The lack of accuracy denied Real Betis the victory

Real Betis could not bring something positive from their trip to Wanda Metropolitano. Even if the Green and Whites put on one of their best performances of the season and that they had one man more for most of the second half. In spite of being better than Atletico de Madrid, the team returned home empty handed.

Many things happened in the first half. First of all, Atletico got two goals disallowed. First, due to a handball by Correa inside the area. Later, Morata was offside at the start of the play. The VAR had to act in both plays. However, the main news in the first period is that Betis were feeling comfortable and displaying good football, attacking strong on the wings.

The strength in defence and the quickness to launch attacking plays allowed the team to have several dangerous approaches. A shot from Guardado that went millimeters away from the post was the most dangerous of them all. Atletico had a couple as well, through Thomas and Correa, both attempts saved by Dani Martín. Just before the break, Loren found the side netting in the last play.

The same player was the protagonist once the game resumed. The striker made a good run and, after a couple of rebounds, found himself in front of Oblak, but his lobbed effort went slightly wide. Again Loren was in spot light a few minutes later when he received a nasty tackle from Hermoso. The Atletico player was sent off.

The red card spurred Real Betis forward and dominated the game afterwards. The team played all the time on their rivals' side of the pitch, but lacked the accuracy to score a goal. In fact, it was Atletico who struck. A free kick delivered to the heart of the box was headed in by Diego Costa.

Betis kept trying but Atletico were really tidy in defence at this point and did not let many options open. 

Club Atlético de Madrid: Oblak, Trippier (Arias 41'), Savic, Hermoso, Lodi, Koke, Llorente (Vitolo 55'), Thomas, Saúl (Diego Costa 55'), Correa (Felipe 61'), Morata (Carrasco 55').
Goals: Diego Costa (75').
Booked: Savic.
Sent off: Hermoso.

Real Betis Balompié: Dani Martín, Barragán (Emerson 68'), Bartra, Sidnei, Álex Moreno (Tello 82'), Guido, Guardado (Pedraza 42'), William (Joaquín 69'), Canales, Fekir,  Loren (Borja Iglesias 82').

Booked: Barragán, Emerson.

Referee: González González.