Correa Winner Against Betis Sends Atletico Top Of La Liga
Muhammad Rameez Published October 07, 2018 | 11:42 PM
Madrid, Oct 7 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Oct, 2018 ) :Atletico Madrid shot to the top of La Liga after Angel Correa's goal proved the winner in an untidy 1-0 win over Real Betis on Sunday.
Atletico sat seven points behind Real Madrid and Barcelona after winning only one of their opening four league games but as their rivals have stumbled, Diego Simeone's side have sprung into form.
Even if Barca return to the summit by beating Valencia later on Sunday, this was Atleti's fifth win in six in all competitions, with their only dropped points coming in a stalemate away to Real Madrid.
Simeone can take some of the credit too for this victory at the Wanda Metropolitano, after throwing on both Correa and Thomas Partey as substitutes in the second half. Thomas provided the assist.
The contest was billed as a classic clash of styles, with Atletico's stubborn defence up against the free-flowing Real Betis, who lit up the league last season with their flurry of goals.
It is testament to the threat Betis pose that opponents have become more cautious this season and Atletico were successful here in their strategy of absorb and counter-attack.
Betis, who could also have gone top with a win, such is the scrunched nature of the top half, stay seventh.
Diego Costa was missing with a thigh injury, allowing Nikola Kalinic to make his first start since joining from AC Milan in August.
The first half was almost entirely forgettable, summed up by a period in the 42nd minute when a handful of players from both sides comically swarmed around the ball, tackling it between each other until eventually it deflected out of play.
There was a lack of width and clear thinking although Betis had the best chance early on. Loren Moron raced through a gap in the Atletico defence but the ball got stuck under his feet and he skewed wide.
Atletico posed a threat on the break but repeatedly fluffed the final pass. Kalinic struck the post early in the second half after Aissa Mandi gave it away, before Rodrigo lashed a shot at Pau Lopez. Simeone flapped his arms to beckon the home crowd.
Atleti were finding their rhythm as Griezmann pulled back for Kalinic and then Correa fired across goal but neither Griezmann nor Diego Godin turned it in.
Correa, on for the quiet Thomas Lemar, had made a difference with his direct running and he deserved his goal.
Thomas flicked it into his path and with no better option, the forward drove low into the bottom corner. Betis pushed in the latter stages but there was little hint of an equaliser. Atletico held on.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Bismah Maroof announces immediate retirement from international cricket
Malala expresses unwavering support for Gaza people
Selection committee dissolved over Pakistan women cricket team's poor performanc ..
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz in police uniform at Chung police center
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 25 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 25 April 2024
Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss
Session Awarding Ceremony 2024 held at Cadet College Muzaffarabad
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
Pakistan, Japan agrees to convene 'Economic Policy Dialogue'
FM Dar conveys deepest sympathy on torrential rains devastation in UAE
Spain PM Sanchez says weighing resignation after wife's graft probe
More Stories From Sports
-
Bismah Maroof announces immediate retirement from international cricket
12 minutes ago -
Norman sees Adelaide success as blueprint for all LIV Golf events
33 minutes ago -
Mohsin Naqvi reconstitutes women’s selection committee
1 hour ago -
Selection committee dissolved over Pakistan women cricket team's poor performance
2 hours ago -
Paris holds its breath for Olympic swimming events in murky Seine
4 hours ago -
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
14 hours ago
-
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 1st update
15 hours ago -
Osaka seals first win on clay since 2022 in Madrid
15 hours ago -
Watford hire Cleverley as permanent boss
15 hours ago -
Karachi, Lahore, Multan win matches of National Women’s Cricket Tournament
15 hours ago -
No communication gap among players, asserts Babar Azam
15 hours ago -
Bracewell looks ahead to Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan
15 hours ago