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 the Primera Liga on Sunday.
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.
But the visitors were rarely threatened defensively and go above misfiring Real Madrid who were crushed 4-0 by Barcelona in el clasico on Saturday.
Atletico have 26 points from 12 games, four fewer than Barca and two more than their city rivals.
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Jaume Costa atoned for giving away a first-half penalty when his strike five minutes from time rescued Villarreal a 1-1 draw against Eibar that put them fourth.
With Eibar down to 10 men after Keko’s red card, Costa prodded the ball home past keeper Asier Riesgo having being found by Denis Suarez.
Roberto Soldado and Cedric Bakambu caused plenty of problems with their movement for the Eibar defence but they hung on and took the lead with Sergi Enrich volleying home a knock down from Borja Baston inside the area after 27 minutes.
The small Basque club have done well after being given a second chance in the top flight following Elche’s demotion for unpaid taxes that saved them from relegation.
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However, Dani Garcia wasted the chance to extend their lead with his penalty saved by Alphonse Areola following a foul by Costa on Baston before halftime.
The home side began to press more in the closing stages with Keko having been dismissed for a second yellow card and Costa eventually made the breakthrough.
Villarreal are ahead of Celta Vigo on goal difference with 21 points from 12 games, while Eibar are sixth with 20 points.
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