BackDirectChronicle
Betis legend Joaquín shook his head in the 89th minute.Correa, who has measured the Andalusian side and is a great footballer, scored a great game in the 86th minute to give Atlético a win over a very worthy rival to confirm. who stalled until four minutes from the end of a clash that went from torpor to an excellent second half. A time when Simeone and Pellegrini decided to seek victory with ambitious changes.
1
Oblak, Carrasco (Saúl, min. 83), Giménez, Mario Hermoso, Savic, Nahuel Molina (De Paul, min. 59), Lemar (Correa, min. 59), Marcos Llorente, Koke (Witsel, min. 84), Griezmann and Morata (Pablo Barrios Rivas, Min. 68)
0
Rui Silva, Luiz Felipe, Juan Miranda, Aitor Ruibal, Pezzella, Luiz Henrique, William Carvalho, Ayoze Pérez (Juanmi, min. 68), Guido Rodríguez, Rodri (Joaquín, min. 62) and Borja Iglesias (Willian José, min. 81)
Goals 1-0 min. 86: straps.
referee Juan Martinez Munuera
Yellow cards Nahuel Molina (min. 35), Ayoze Pérez (min. 60) and Willian José (min. 92)
The chances came, more for Atlético, also for this wonderful Betis, captained in the closing stages by the eternal Joaquín. A specialist in revolutionary games, a great agitator and talisman, Correa was the smartest in class for Atlético to consolidate his excellent run (27 of the last 33 points) and practically condemn his qualification for the next edition of the Champions League. because now the fifth placed, the Verdiblanco team itself, has it on nine points. Curious is the case of Betis in the Metropolitan, where they failed even to score in their performances that end in defeat year after year. After a good defensive drill for 86 minutes, no Betis player has dropped Correa in his fantastic career.
It’s not a problem for Atlético, with a bigger squad, with a good Griezmann, with a stadium looking for the win that came after a great game and a great definition from Correa. Simeone’s team has skyrocketed since the World Cup in Qatar last November.
What Betis does has its merit. Orphaned to his two main references, Fekir through injury and Canales through suspension, he played intelligently against Atlético. A defensive drill with the ball, with a series of safety touches against an Atlético team immersed in a great run. However, those of Simeone noted the disruption of the pick. After a very intense start, they retreated in an orderly manner before being touched and commanded by Betis. Simeone and Pellegrini are two pragmatic coaches who bet in different ways to win games. Atlético ran out of the ball and decided to counterattack. Betis lived without arrival to keep possession.
Only a few moves could break the monotonous rhythm of the first half. A shot by Griezmann, arguably the most discreet player at Atlético, and a defensive mistake by Savic that Betis got nothing in return. Between Borja Iglesias and Ayoze they missed a big chance. The goalless draw kept the two coaches’ chances of success intact, although Atlético seemed to pose increasing threats. Of course, as long as Verdiblanco centre-back Luiz Felipe didn’t make a mistake. His first half was masterful.
Pellegrini’s fault
His teammates had far more problems in attack, unable to filter a pass or ever overcome a one-on-one duel against Atlético’s defender. That Betis had fallen into Simeone’s trap or that the locals couldn’t cope with Betis’ defense were the two big unknowns in the duel that was to be decided in the second half.
Rui Silva saved Betis with a superb save against Carrasco and, with a big storm brewing for the Andalusians, Joaquín’s entry rehabilitated his team, who reached the final stage with options to win. It didn’t happen because Atlético have more resources and efficiency than Betis. Pellegrini can’t beat Simeone. And it’s already 10 games (seven losses and three draws).
Follow EL PAÍS Deportes on Facebook and Twitteror sign up here to receive our weekly newsletter.