Saul Niguez nets winner as Atletico Madrid edge Real Betis

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:37 am

Saul Niguez celebrates after his first-half goal.
Saul Niguez celebrates after his first-half goal.
CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP/Getty Images

Saul Niguez scored the only goal as Atletico Madrid beat Real Betis 1-0 to keep Diego Simeone's team in the chase for the La Liga title.

Betis made a promising start by setting a fast tempo and pushing Atletico into their area.

But the visitors were comfortable in absorbing the pressure until a well-orchestrated counterattack tilted the contest in their favour.

Diego Godin found Sime Vrsaljko alone on the right flank with a long pass to start the move. The right-back quickly fired in a cross for three teammates arriving in the area, with the ball reaching the far post where Saul slid and tapped it in.

Betis tried to respond after half-time, but goalkeeper Jan Oblak denied the best chance to level in the 60th minute when he stretched to tip Cristian Tello's powerful strike over the bar.

Atletico have remained undefeated through 15 rounds and have recovered third place ahead of Real Madrid.