Atletico Madrid bounced back from the disappointment of being dumped out of the Champions League in midweek to keep their La Liga title challenge afloat by grinding out a 1-0 win at Real Betis on Sunday.
Atletico Madrid players celebrate the goal against Real Betis in a Laliga fixtureIn the absence of top scorer Antoine Griezmann through injury, Saul Niguez once again provided a big goal for Atletico that takes Diego Simeone’s men to within three points of league leaders Barcelona.
The Catalans can though re-establish a six-point gap over Atletico in third with victory at Villarreal later on Sunday.
Betis have now won just once in the league since September as their slide continues, putting coach Quique Setien under serious pressure.
However, the hosts dominated possession throughout and were made to pay for their lack of cutting edge, as well as some fine goalkeeping by Jan Oblak.
Atletico went in front with their first serious attack on the half-hour mark as Saul slid in to meet Sime Vrsaljko’s cross.
Saul strike keeps Atletico on Barca’s tails
