Real Betis – Atlético Madrid: Vintage Atlético Defense Frustrates Uninspiring Betis (1-2)

In classic Atlético Madrid fashion, Diego Simeone’s tactics frustrated Real Betis, who had all the control of the possession. The hosts were not able to create chances, thanks to all eleven Atlético players defending in compact fashion behind the ball, before making poor mistakes in their buildup play cost them the result.

Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker.

If goals are your go-to, then matches involving Real Betis have been a real treat so far this campaign. Fifteen goals have been scored for either team within the past four LaLiga matches, which has seen them beat the likes of Valencia and Athletic Bilbao. Not only do they take a vast number of shots with a decent amount of quality, but they also concede them at a high rate. Real Betis rank both fifth in shots taken and fifteenth for shots conceded, which has led to them occupying the mid-table places in LaLiga.

Manager Rubi’s 4-1-4-1 tactical approach – or 3-5-2 depending on Marc Bartra’s position - enables Sergio Canales to push forward to provide for an experienced and exciting frontline, with Joaquín and Nabil Fekir moving into more central areas. However, Real Betis lack the defensive structure in order to keep chances out, something which has even seen questions on Rubi’s future less than six months into his stint as manager.

Atlético Madrid have gone through several rough patches up to this point – seven points away from Barcelona and Real Madrid and a fifth position in the league is certainly bleak for the standards that Diego Simeone sets . . .