(Football news) Barcelona defeated Real Betis 2-1 away from home in a late thriller. The Blaugrana were without Gerard Pique and Marc Andre Ter Stegan which isn't an everyday occurrence. Barcelona had control for the majority of the first half but couldn't break the deadlock. Their best chance came when Ronald Araujo's header was saved by Rui Silva. Ansu Fati announced his return from injury as he broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute. 

Barcelona's lead lasted only 3 minutes as La Masia graduate and former Barcelona player Marc Bartra scored a header from Nabil Fekir's set piece. It looked like the points were all set to be shared but in the final moments of the game Barcelona scored the winner. Dani Alves set up Jordi Alba who scored a sumptuous Volley to secure a top 4 spot for Barcelona. The victory lifts the pressure of Barcelona who are now guaranteed to be in the Champions League next season. Real Betis' hunt for a top 4 finish is practically over but they still have a direct Europa League qualification to fight for.

Atletico Madrid won 1-0 against what can only be described as a weak Real Madrid side. After Real Madrid's incredible UCL semi final triumph over Manchester City, Carlo Ancelotti deployed a 2nd string team as the result of the match didn't mean anything to Los Blancos. Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Luka Modric, Vinicius Jr, Fede Valverde and Karim Benzema all started on the bench. Mendy, Modric, Vinicius and Valverde did come on in the 2nd half to play a few minutes as starters Casemiro, Toni Kroos and Eder Militao were taken off. Atletico Madrid dominated the first half and created a lot of chances. The Rojiblancos broke the deadlock as Jesus Vallejo fouled Matheus Cunha in the penalty box after which Yannick Carrasco converted the spot kick. 

Real Madrid started the 2nd half with more purpose and had more possession. It was still Atletico Madrid who had the clear chances as Real Madrid could've easily lost by 3 or more goals. Real Madrid treated the game as a preseason and rightly so. They are expected to do the same for the remaining 3 games as Carlo Ancelotti said that the remaining games will be used to keep the rhythm going without tiring the players. The win solidified Atletico Madrid's position in the top 4. This was Atleti's first win against Real Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano and also the first La Liga win since 2018.

Also read: Real Madrid's best signing of the season is not Alaba or Camavinga