Antony strikes as Real Betis exact revenge on Atletico Madrid

Real Betis secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in La Liga on Sunday, gaining sweet revenge for their recent Copa del Rey defeat thanks to a decisive goal from Brazilian winger Antony.

The match at Benito Villamarín Stadium saw Betis dominate possession and create the better chances against a typically resolute Atletico side that has built its reputation on defensive solidity under manager Diego Simeone.

Antony, who has been finding his rhythm since joining Betis, broke the deadlock with a well-taken finish that proved to be the difference between the two sides. The goal showcased the Brazilian’s quality and provided vindication for Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini’s faith in the former Manchester United player.

The victory was particularly sweet for Betis, who had fallen to Atletico Madrid in a Copa del Rey encounter just weeks earlier. Sunday’s result not only avenged that defeat but also boosted Betis’ prospects in the race for European qualification spots in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid, despite their strong defensive record this season, struggled to create clear-cut opportunities and were unable to respond to Antony’s strike. Los Colchoneros have now suffered a setback in their pursuit of the top positions in the league table.

The match was played in front of an electric atmosphere at the Villamarín, with Betis fans celebrating both the victory and the revenge element against one of Spain’s traditional powerhouses.

Betis’ defensive unit deserves credit for keeping a clean sheet against an Atletico side that boasts attacking threats including Antoine Griezmann and Álvaro Morata. The home team’s backline stood firm under pressure to preserve the narrow advantage.

The three points lift Real Betis further up the La Liga standings and maintain their momentum in what has been an impressive campaign. For Atletico Madrid, the loss represents a frustrating afternoon and raises questions about their consistency in crucial away fixtures.

Both teams will now turn their attention to midweek fixtures as the congested Spanish football calendar continues.