Atletico Madrid won 1-0 at Real Betis on Sunday, thanks to a scrappy goal by Saul Niguez to rack up a third straight victory in the Spanish La Liga.
The result provisionally moved them three points behind leaders FC Barcelona.
The Spanish midfielder slid in at the back post to meet a low cross from Sime Vrsaljko to score in the 30th minute, netting for the second game in a row.
Atletico were without talismanic forward Antoine Griezmann and only had two shots on target and 26 percent possession.
Diego Simeone’s side survived a huge penalty kick appeal for a shove by Angel Correa on forward Cristian Tello shortly before Saul’s goal.
Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak also pulled off an impressive save from former Barca forward Tello in the home side’s best attempt of the second half.
Atletico are third in the standings on 33 points, one behind Valencia and three behind FC Barcelona.
The league leaders can restore their five-point lead at the top when they visit Villarreal later on Sunday.(Reuters/NAN)
