LaLiga: Real Betis Edge Out Atletico Madrid 1-0 to Claim Fifth Spot in La Liga

Real Betis secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid, thanks to Jose Maria Gimenez's early own goal, moving them to fifth in La Liga and ending Atletico's eight-match unbeaten away run.

Real Betis leapfrogged Atletico Madrid into fifth place in La Liga with a hard-fought 1-0 win at the Estadio Benito Villamarin. The decisive moment came after just four minutes when Abde Ezzalzouli's low cross deflected off Axel Witsel and was diverted into his own net by Jose Maria Gimenez.

Atletico Madrid, unbeaten in their previous eight away league matches, struggled to find their rhythm. By the 15-minute mark, they were fortunate to be only one behind. Johnny Cardoso's through ball split their defense, sending Ezzalzouli bearing down on goal, but he slashed his shot wide.

Ezzalzouli had another chance in the 27th minute when Vitor Roque's beautiful flick picked him out inside the box. However, his powerful strike cannoned back off the crossbar. Roque had a couple of wayward opportunities of his own as Betis failed to double their lead before halftime.

Diego Simeone made two changes at the break, introducing Angel Correa and Pablo Barrios. Atletico started the second half brightly, with Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez testing Rui Silva within eight minutes of the restart.

However, Betis regained momentum. Pablo Fornals volleyed the ball onto the post, and when attempting to control the rebound, was challenged by Javi Galan. Referee Jesús Gil Manzano initially pointed to the spot but overturned his decision following a VAR review.

With 10 minutes remaining, Angel Correa flicked the ball to Alexander Sorloth, whose scuffed strike struck the base of Silva's post. Correa then hit the other post from an Alvarez free-kick just three minutes later.

Manuel Pellegrini's men held on to take their recent home form to only one loss in eight. Los Colchoneros suffered their first away league defeat since April 21.

Highlights:

• Jose Maria Gimenez's early own goal
• Abde Ezzalzouli's missed chances
• Vitor Roque's opportunities
• Diego Simeone's halftime changes
• Rui Silva's crucial saves
• Angel Correa's late near-misses
• Real Betis' seventh unbeaten home game
• Atletico's first away league defeat since April 21