By Daily Sports on February 4, 2019

Alvaro Morata’s debut ended in disappointment as Atletico Madrid missed a golden chance to cut the gap behind Barcelona by losing 1-0 to Real Betis in La Liga on Sunday.

Morata made his first start for Atletico at Benito Villamarin but it was an unspectacular opener for the on-loan Chelsea striker, and a big opportunity squandered for his team.

Barca’s draw at home to Valencia on Saturday meant their closest rivals could have reduced the deficit to three points at the top.

Instead, Sergio Canales’ penalty for Betis means that by the end of the weekend, the Catalans will be one further ahead than when they began it.

“The match was clear,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. “A few chances for both teams, they took advantage of the penalty we gave them and that was enough.”

Real Madrid could yet prove the chief beneficiaries. Real play Alaves later on Sunday, when victory would give them the chance to leapfrog Atletico by winning the city derby next weekend.

Atletico have been the best team in the capital this season and have managed to cling to the coattails of Barca, despite the relentless form of the leaders.

But while Simeone’s side have a better record at home than any team in the division, on away form alone they sit fifth.

Betis, who also beat Barca in November, climb to sixth and will be a danger in the Copa del Rey, where they play Valencia in the semifinals on Thursday, with a final at their own stadium up for grabs. (SuperSport)

•Photo shows Real Betis players 

Source Daily Sports

Posted February 4, 2019

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