Atletico Madrid welcomed Real Betis to the Spanish capital in the first leg of their quarter-final in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.
The home side started much the better and led 2-0 inside 23 minutes with goals from Radamel Falcao and Filipe Luis. Betis had chances of their own, but poor finishing meant that they trailed at the interval.
Both teams had chances in the second period, but neither could make the breakthrough with Atletico securing a two-goal lead ahead of the return leg next week.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Our Copa del Rey commentary continues this week with arguably the most fascinating tie of the round. Atletico currently occupy second spot in the table after 19 matches, while Betis sit in fourth position having beaten Levante at the weekend. A reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to take place next week.
With Atletico unable to keep up with Barcelona’s pace in La Liga, the Spanish cup competition appears their best chance to secure some silverware this season. There is also an added incentive with the winner of this tie set to face either Sevilla or Real Zaragoza in the semi-finals, with the other to be contested by Valencia/Real Madrid and Barcelona/Malaga.
The home side will certainly be made to work if they are to secure a lead this evening. The visitors enter the match having won each of their last three matches and four of their last five in all competitions. Betis secured their spot in this stage of the competition with victory over Las Palmas in the previous round, while Atletico Madrid overcame Getafe in a close encounter.
In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Atletico were victorious when they travelled to Betis earlier in the season. However, the last time the pair met in the Spanish capital Betis emerged as 2-0 winners in December 2011. That said, Atletico have won three of the last five meetings, drawing once and losing the other and will therefore be considered the favourites.
Let’s take a closer look at how both sides have fared in the league this season. Betis are currently one of the in-form teams in La Liga having taken 12 points from the last 18 on offer. Meanwhile, Atletico have taken 10 during the same period. To put that into context with the rest of the division, Barcelona top the table with 18 points and Celta Vigo sit bottom with four points.
In terms of each team's attack, Atletico sit third in the goals scored table with 40 strikes in 19 matches. However, Betis sit just one spot lower having scored 30 in the same amount of games. Now for the defence, Atletico Madrid sit second in the table having conceded just 18 goals, but Betis have struggled in this particular area and have conceded 29. Some contrast there.
TEAMS:
ATLETICO: Courtois; Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Luis; Gabi, Suarez, Garcia, Turan; Falcao, Costa
BETIS: Castro; Perquis, Nacho, Chica, Paulao; Benat, Perez, Vilarchao, Castro; Molina, Campbell
So there we have it. Atletico name arguably their strongest available side this evening with Radamel Falcao paired with Diego Costa in attack. Mario Suarez also starts in midfield, but there is no starting role for Tiago. Betis, meanwhile, have named an attacking lineup with Ruben Castro and Joel Campbell to operate behind Jorge Molina.
Atletico also have the best home record in the division. They have won all 10 matches on home turf this season, scoring 30 goals and conceding just six. Not even Barcelona can match that record. That said, Betis currently sit second in the away points table having taken 19 points from nine games on the road. The best home team in La Liga faces the second-best away team this evening. What a match we could have on our hands.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my prediction. I expect both teams to score this evening, but I think Atletico will have too much on the right. It is a 3-1 home win for me.
Tonight's referee is Alberto Undiano. Let's hope that we are discussing the football and not the officials come the end of the evening. A final reminder that nothing will be decided tonight, with the second leg due to take place next week. However, away goals do indeed count double in the Spanish cup. The away side get the action underway.
Decent early start from the home side with Mario Suarez and Raul Garcia enjoying a spell of possession in midfield. The latter attempts to find the run of Falcao down the right, but Paulao comes across to clear the danger. Good crowd inside the stadium this evening.
Neither side has really settled thus far with both teams guilty of handing possession away with sloppy passing. A half-chance does emerge as Garcia collects from Turan before attempting to find the run of Costa, but it just skids off the turf and Castro is out to collect. You just get the feeling that there will be goals this evening with the attacking players on display.
Atletico create another half-chance as Costa muscles his way into the penalty area before driving a low cross into the box, but Perquis is across to clear. The resulting corner is delivered by Suarez, but Nacho rises highest to head clear under pressure from Falcao. Early pressure from the home side with six minutes on the clock.
The pressure remains as the home side force another two corners in quick succession. The chance arrives as Godin meets a searching cross from Suarez, but the defender's effort is wide of the target. That looked for all the world that the scoring had been opened. Not too much from Betis as an attacking threat thus far.
It is the Betis supporters that are making most of the noise at the moment. However, their team has not really started as of yet. The first yellow card does arrive, however, as Costa is adjudged to have elbowed Perquis in a tussle. Replays have shown that the arm was thrown back by the Brazilian, but it was a harsh decision. Slightly untidy period at the moment with challenges flying in from both sides.
First real sign of Joel Campbell as the on-loan Arsenal striker picks up possession before driving down the right, but he cannot emerge past the challenge of Miranda and the danger is cleared. The match has just opened up in the past few minutes, but the early Godin header remains the only real chance thus far. We have two very good Spanish teams on display this evening.
GOAL! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Betis (Falcao)
First blood to Atletico! It's wonderful football from the home side as Costa finds Garcia on the edge of the penalty area, the Spaniard in turn whips a dangerous cross into the box and Falcao is on hand to thump his header into the back of the net. Just brilliant from Atletico.
Betis attempt to respond as Castro collects possession before whipping a dangerous cross into the box, but Godin heads clear. Campbell picks up the ball on the edge of the area, but his effort is straight at Courtois. Meanwhile, Betis pick up a free kick in the Atletico half as Juanfran fells Castro.
Atletico remain the side that look the most likely to add to the scoring as Costa combines with Falcao before driving into the box, but the Brazilian is just stopped in his tracks by Nacho. Meanwhile, first sign of frustration from Betis as they give away two fouls in quick succession. However, they will have confidence that they can create opportunities as the match advances.
Again the home side threaten and again it's the front two causing problems as Falcao wins a header before Costa collects and approaches the edge of the penalty area, but Benat comes across to make the clearance. The Spaniard in turn looks for Campbell down the other end, but once more the pass is too long and the danger is cleared.
Not too many clear chances to report in the last few minutes, but it would be fair to state that the home side are controlling proceedings this evening. That is not all that surprising, however, with Betis playing a similar way in all their away matches this season. Their threat certainly comes on the break. But they will not want to concede another at this stage.
There appears to be a slight problem for Ruben Perez as the Betis midfielder is felled by Suarez, but following a brief spell of treatment the Spaniard is deemed fit enough to continue. Meanwhile, the sloppy period of the match has just continued with both sides exchanging possession of the ball in midfield.
Half-chance for Betis this time as Benat floats a searching cross into the penalty area, but Courtois comes out to collect the danger with ease. What a goalkeeper this young man is. Chelsea have some replacement for Petr Cech when the Czech international hangs up his boots. Now I have said that, Courtois will probably drop a clanger.
GOAL! Atletico Madrid 2-0 Real Betis (Luis)
Atletico have a similar situation down the other end as Suarez whips a free kick into the penalty area, but once more it comes to nothing. The pressure remains as the home scramble the ball into the box and Filipe Luis is on hand to turn a powerful effort into the bottom corner.
You just get the feeling that Betis need to just settle from now until the break in order to remain in the tie. Should they fail to score this evening, then Atletico would be huge favourites to advance from the second leg next week. The away side's ill-discipline continues as Perquis fells Turan in a wide position.
The only danger to Atletico this evening is their own attitude. Should they continue to play with the same pace and intensity that they have inside the opening 28 minutes, then they will go onto win this match comfortably. But we have seen it all too often from Betis this season, suddenly they string two or three passes together before finding the back of the net.
CHANCE! Incredible opportunity for Betis to score their opening goal as they scramble the ball into the penalty area. Castro has the first effort which is saved by Courtois, before the Belgian goalkeeper makes another wonderful save to deny Vilarchao from close range. That is wonderful from the young stopper.
Betis' frustration continues as the home side break up the play with every opportunity with late challenge after late challenge. However, the only yellow card of the evening has been handed to Costa. Meanwhile, the away side are forced into an early chance as Perquis is replaced by Jose Antonio Dorado. Not the best opening 32 minutes for Betis.
Slightly better from the away side in the last few moments with Castro and Molina starting to pass and probe outside the Atletico penalty area. However, once more the final pass is just short of the desired target. The home side have the ball in the back of the net down the other end moments later as Falcao converts from close range, but the offside flag is raised.
Again Atletico come close as Costa wins a free kick down the left. The resulting set piece is taken by Gabi, but Godin's header is straight at Castro, with the effort never having enough power to beat the Spanish goalkeeper. Little under 10 minutes of the half remaining and Atletico lead 2-0 with goals from Falcao and Luis.
The pressure continues from the capital outfit as Garcia strikes an effort from outside the box, but it just moves high of the crossbar. Another opportunity arrives moments later as Turan cuts inside before drilling a low cross into the area, but Javi Chica clears his lines, for the time being anyway.
Diego Simeone appears very animated on the touchline as he discusses the half with his assistant. The Argentine is certainly not a man that you would want to upset. There is no questioning the effect he has had on this team. Atletico have a penalty shout as Luis appears to be felled by Campbell, but the referee waves play on.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the final stages of this half. In fairness to Betis they have responded well since falling two behind, but they have thus far been unable to find a way past Courtois in the Atletico goal. All it takes is just one goal and this tie will be flipped on its head.
I should not think that there will be too much time added at the end of the half. Another half-chance emerges for Betis as Perez strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. Meanwhile, the Betis defence continues to struggle with the pure physicality of Costa and Falcao.
The fourth official indicates that we will play one additional minute at the end of the half. It has been 45 minutes that Atletico have dominated, but this is cup football and we all know how quickly that can change. Meanwhile, a certain Vicente del Bosque has been spotted in the crowd. There are a lot of Spaniard's on display this evening.
HALF-TIME: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Real Betis
So there we have it. The referee brings the half to an end with Atletico leading 2-0 at the interval. The scoring was opened by Falcao after 11 minutes before Luis made it two with a fine finish 12 minutes later. Betis have had their chances, but Courtois has been in fine form.
Let's take a look at some statistics from the opening half of football. Betis have shaded the possession with 55%, but they have managed just two attempts on target in contrast to Atletico's four. However, the home side have made the double the amount of fouls than their opponents this evening. Looking at the first period as a whole, Betis will not be too disheartened.
Betis have already displayed their ability to score goals away from home this season, regardless of how they are playing. I still expect that to be the case. Should they finish the evening with an away goal then they will feel confident of progressing, but Atletico could wrap this tie up this in the second period.
Let's take a moment to look at each bench. Atletico have the likes of Tiago, Koke and Adrian Lopez in reserve this evening. Meanwhile, Betis have a host of experience on the sidelines with Salva Sevilla, Nono and Angel Lopez. I would expect both teams to make changes as the half progresses.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the second period. No changes for either side at the interval. I am sticking with my pre-match prediction of a 3-1 win for Atletico. I would be surprised if Betis did not score in the second period. Right, Atletico get the action underway. Be sure to remain with us for the entirety.
Good start from Atletico with Costa and Falcao combining outside the box, but the latter just loses possession at the vital moment and the danger is cleared. Campbell has the chance to stretch his legs down the other end, but the on-loan Arsenal striker just runs out of play under pressure from Luis.
CHANCE! Another glorious opportunity for the away side as Campbell finds Molina in the penalty area with a fine cross, but once more Courtois is out to block the danger. The goalkeeper has been just sensational this evening. He is going all the way to the very top I don't think there is any question about that.
Atletico create a chance of their own down the other end as Luis dances past two challenges before driving into the penalty area, but the Brazilian just cannot release his effort under pressure from two defenders. End-to-end period of the match at the moment, but the score remains 2-0 to Atletico.
Another opportunity arrives for the home side as Costa wins a free kick from Paulao in a wide position. The resulting set piece is taken by Gabi, but the Spaniard's delivery is just too close to the goalkeeper as Castro comes out to clear his lines. However, the pressure remains with Turan dancing outside the Betis box.
Nacho appears to have a problem here as the Betis defender is caught in a high challenge with his own goalkeeper, but he is deemed fit to continue following a spell of treatment on the sidelines. It is incredible what the magic sponge can accomplish. Slight bit of Betis pressure in the past few moments, but it has been half-chances rather than clear opportunities.
Courtois continues to win his battle against the Betis attack as he collects a series of high balls crossed into the box. Campbell tries his luck moments later, but the look from Castro says it all as the on-loan Arsenal attacker fires his effort straight into the stands. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and Atletico lead 2-0 in this Copa del Rey clash.
Paulao becomes the first Betis player to have his name taken as he launches into a dangerous challenge with Falcao. The resulting free kick is taken by Gabi, but his delivery is just short and Benat is able to clear for a corner, which is also dealt with by the Spanish midfielder. Slightly bitty period of the match at the moment.
Atletico have just taken control of the possession in the last few moments with Suarez, Gabi and Turan enjoying plenty of the ball in the midfield area. We have not seen much from Costa or Falcao in the second period, although the former came close moments ago with a strike from inside the box. Still nothing much to get excited about from a Betis point of view.
Betis continue to slow the tempo as they give away a host of fouls in and around the centre circle. You just get the feeling that the away side need to score this evening, because Atletico will feel that they can hit the back of the net in the second leg next week. That would leave Betis needing four goals without replay to advance.
Betis make their second change of the evening as Vilarchao - who had that glorious chance in the first period - is replaced by Jose Canas. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining in Madrid and two first-half goals continue to separate the two sides. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the past few minutes.
The Atletico fans are certainly enjoying themselves at the moment as they continue to make their voices known inside this wonderful stadium. However, their team has just gone quiet on the pitch with Falcao and Costa no longer having such an influence. Still no movement on their bench, but I would expect that to change in the next five or so minutes.
Penalty shout for the away side as Benat drives into the box before striking an effort towards goal, but Miranda appears to block the danger with his hand. However, the referee waves play on. Meanwhile, Atletico do indeed make their first change of the evening as Cata Diaz replaces Juanfran.
Atletico continue to resist the pressure from the away side as Miranda comes across to challenge Campbell down the left. Costa collects possession down the other end before driving into the penalty area, but following some desperate defending the danger is finally cleared. A goal either way would be massive at this stage.
Little over 15 minutes of football remaining and still the score sits at 2-0 to Atletico. A reminder that nothing will be decided this evening with the second leg to come next week. Meanwhile, the home side make their second change of the match as Costa is replaced by Koke. It appears that Simeone is trying to close out the final stages.
Betis continue to push forward with Perez and Molina combining outside the penalty area, but once more Miranda comes across to clear the danger. Moments later the away side are awarded a free kick was Miranda fells Castro. However, the delivery from Benat fails to beat the first man and the danger is cleared by Godin.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments. Atletico are not really interested in attacking as they continue to drop deeper and deeper, but Betis are finding it hard to create space in the final third. You just get the feeling that there is another goal in the remaining stages of this match.
The pressure continues to rise from Betis as they pass and probe outside the Atletico penalty area, but they cannot make any serious crowd as the home side take possession before threatening on the break. Falcao has a strike from outside the box, but Castro is comfortable in dealing with the danger.
Meanwhile, the away side make their third and final change as Nono replaces Perez. There is a reason why Atletico have the second-best defensive record in the league this season. Each time Betis break the first line of defence, then Courtois is on hand to pick up the pieces. Little over eight minutes plus stoppage time remaining.
In truth the last 15 minutes of this match could have been on repeat. Nothing much has changed with Betis controlling possession, but the home side continue to deal with the danger. Meanwhile, the home side make their third and final change as Cristian Rodriguez replaces Turan, who has struggled to get into the second period of this match.
Penalty shout for the home side this time as Falcao hits the deck under pressure from Nacho, but once more the referee shakes his head. It would certainly have been a soft one. In fairness to the referee he has controlled the match this evening. Another long cross comes into the Atletico box moments later, but Courtois is out to collect.
Pepe Mel's look says it all as another chance comes and goes with Molina heading over the crossbar from close range. If Betis are to take an away goal into the second leg next week, then it has to come within the next couple of minutes. Will we have late drama in the Vicente Calderon?
Half-chance for the home side as Rodriguez drives into the penalty area, but his low cross towards Falcao is cleared by Nacho. Meanwhile, Koke has an effort palmed away by Castro moments later. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time.
Not too much to report in stoppage time with Atletico comfortable in dealing with the Betis threat, as they have done so all evening. Castro attempts to collect a pass from Benat inside the penalty area, but the ball was just too long and it moves out for a goal kick. Not long remaining in this first leg.
FULL-TIME: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Real Betis
So there we have it. Goals from Falcao and Luis hand Atletico a 2-0 lead ahead of the second leg. Our full report of the match can be found here. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to join us for more Spanish football this weekend. Until then!
