La Liga: Atletico Madrid returns to winning ways with 2-1 victory over Real Betis

Atletico moved to 55 points in fourth place in the La Liga standings, two points behind third-placed Barcelona and six ahead of Athletic Bilbao in fifth, who face each other in Bilbao later on Sunday.

Atletico Madrid’s Alvaro Morata celebrates scoring the winning goal against Real Betis in La Liga. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Atletico Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 home victory over Real Betis in LaLiga on Sunday as Diego Simeone’s side ended a three-game winless run in all competitions.

A defensive mistake from Betis led to an own-goal by keeper Rui Silva in the eighth minute and Alvaro Morata, who had missed a penalty kick earlier in the game, extended the host’s lead with a header from a rebound in the 44th minute.

Betis’ William Carvalho came off the bench to reduce the deficit with a superb strike from range into the top corner in the 61st minute and Atletico’s goalkeeper Jan Oblak’s heroics enabled it to secure a much needed home win.

Atletico moved to 55 points in fourth place in the La Liga standings, two points behind third-placed Barcelona and six ahead of Athletic Bilbao in fifth, who face each other in Bilbao later on Sunday. Real Madrid is top on 66 points.