Atletico stumble again at Real Betis

SEVILLE: Jose Gimenez´s early own goal consigned Atletico Madrid to a 1-0 defeat at Real Betis on Sunday in La Liga.

Atletico´s third loss in five matches across all competitions left Diego Simeone´s side fourth, trailing league leaders Barcelona by 10 points after 11 matches. Betis put on a vibrant display and after surviving a late Atletico onslaught rose to fifth, two points behind their opponents.

The Andalusians took the lead in the fourth minute, when Gimenez tried to clear Ez Abde´s cross but hacked the ball into his own net. It was the worst possible start for Atletico, trying to bounce back after they threw away the lead against French side Lille in the Champions League to lose 3-1 in midweek. The hosts were dominant at their Benito Villamarin stadium, creating several chances but being unable to convert them to make the game safe. Former Barcelona winger Abde fired wide when sent clean through and then struck the crossbar after Vitor Roque backheeled the ball into his path. The Brazil striker, on loan from league leaders Barca, then smashed a shot into the side netting from a tight angle.