The title race in Spanish La Liga is heating up this weekend with Atletico Madrid temporarily moving to the top of the standings. Diego Simeone’s men picked up an important 1-0 victory over Athletic Club Bilbao, while Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat against Real Betis.
Atleti’s Slender Win Puts Them Top of La Liga
Los Rojiblancos started their weekend sitting in third place with 53 points, one behind both Barcelona and Real Madrid. Knowing how tight the battle for that top spot was, Atleti were not goofing around as they hosted Athletic Club on Saturday.
The match was far from easy as the Lions were also keen on getting maximum points to keep their current top-four place. However, it was the home team that eventually snatched that all-important victory, thanks to Julian Alvarez’s 66th-minute goal that turned out to be the only one in that game.
That win was enough to take them to the top of the current standings with 86 points following Madrid’s shock defeat against Betis. Atleti’s lead could change if Barcelona won their Sunday match against Real Sociedad.
Madrid Shock Loss Against Real Betis
Meanwhile, the other side of Madrid did not have their best day as Carlo Ancelotti’s men suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Betis. Los Blancos were keen on maintaining their joint top standings with Barcelona as they travel to Estadio Benito Villamarin on Saturday.
The match looks to be another positive one for Madrid as they went one goal up after just 10 minutes of play through Brahim Diaz. However, Betis didn’t just give up and put on a valiant effort, which saw them getting an equalizing goal from Johnny Cardozo’s effort at 34 minutes.
Eventually, it was the home team that had the final say as they completed their comeback in 54 minutes when Isco scored from the spot. The former Madrid star converted the spot kick, which came from David Alaba’s foul on Anthony inside the penalty area.
Despite their attempts to turn things around, Los Blancos didn’t even manage to draw level as Betis held on for the win. That defeat put a slight dent in Madrid’s title charge as they now slipped down to third place behind Atletico and Barcelona.
Ancelotti’s men must put that loss behind, though, as this midweek they set to face Atleti on their Champions League last 16 first-leg battle. Los Blancos will play the first game at home before traveling to their city rival’s home ground for the second leg.
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