Atletico vs Real Betis: Antony outshines Ademola Lookman as Heliopolitans get sweet revenge

Ademola Lookman found the back of the net in the first-half but his goal was ruled out for offside; otherwise, he was largely ineffective as Real Betis beat Atletico Madrid 1-0.

The Super Eagles forward scored and assisted against the same opposition in the middle of the week as Los Rojiblancos thumped Betis 5-0 to reach the Copa del Rey semi-final. Today's clash was not nearly as easy, as Lookman's threat was nullified, with Antony's superb strike securing victory for Wanda Metropolitano's visitors.

The visitors drew first blood around the half-hour mark. In the 28th minute, Betis capitalised on a quick transitional move: Antony collected the ball on the edge of the box, cut inside from the right flank, and curled a powerful, low strike into the bottom corner beyond Jan Oblak to make it 1–0. 

Atlético Madrid responded by increasing possession and trying to unlock the Betis defensive block. They thought they restored parity three minutes after Betis went ahead when Lookman found the back of the net; however, his attempt was immediately ruled out for offside.

The home side continued to probe for the rest of the half but failed to create clear openings. Simeone made changes at half-time, including replacing Julian Alvarez with Sorloth, which helped Rojiblancos be more direct.

Despite sustained pressure, Atlético’s efforts failed to produce a goal. Betis goalkeeper Álvaro Valles made several important saves, including denying close-range attempts from Sorloth and Guliano Simeone.

Atletico Madrid thought they had another equaliser in the 77th minute, when Diego Llorente headed past his own goalkeeper. However, an offside in the build-up meant Betis kept their lead.

Real Betis defended in numbers through the final stages, a sharp contrast from their lethargic showing in midweek. They held on to the end, as Manuel Pellegrini secured his first victory against Diego Simeone at Wanda Metropolitano.