An early Koke strike gave typically hard-working Atletico Madrid a 1-0 victory away to Real Betis that moved them above Real Madrid into second place in La Liga last night.
Koke slotted home a rebound after keeper Antonio Adan had saved a Fernando Torres shot with seven minutes gone.
Despite some slick attacking play Atletico missed great chances to build on the lead with Antoine Griezmann particularly profligate, including a late opportunity that came back off a post.
Primera Liga
Valencia vs Las Palmas 1-1; Deportivo vs Celta Vigo 2-0; S. Gijon vs Levante 0-3; Villarreal vs Eibar 1-1; Granada vs A. Bilbao 2-0; R. Betis vs Atletico Madrid 0-1.
Today: 20.30 Getafe vs R. Vallecano.
Leading standings: Barcelona 30; Atl. Madrid 26; R. Madrid 24; Celta Vigo, Villarreal 21; Eibar 20; Valencia 19; Deportivo 18; A. Bilbao 17.