Atletico Madrid made their way back to La Liga’s summit with a 1-1 draw away to Real Betis on Sunday. But their title hopes have been left hanging by a thread after they had to pay a high price for their upward movement.
Diego Simeone’s team started well, with Yannick Carrasco dribbling into an empty net in the fifth minute, albeit with the aid of a lucky bounce, but Betis equalized with a thumping volley from Cristian Tello in the 20th.
Atletico then lost record signing Joao Felix plus right-back Kieran Trippier to injury in the second half, adding to an absentee list containing Luis Suarez, Thomas Lemar, and the latest signing Moussa Dembele.
They were lucky to avoid conceding again as Betis dominated the second half and missed several chances to go in front.
Yet, Atletico was not far from grabbing a winner, as Angel Correa forced Claudio Bravo into a couple of great in stoppage time.
Atletico returned to the top on 67 points, one ahead of Real Madrid and two clear of Barcelona with eight games left to play.