Sat Apr 19 17:58:06 2008

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Betis topples Atletico to move into top half

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Madrid, Spain (Sports Network) - Real Betis moved into the top half of the La Liga table on Saturday after the club earned a 3-1 win over Atletico Madrid at Vicente Calderon.

Juande put Betis in front 15 minutes into the game before Atletico striker Sergio Aguero tallied his 15th goal of the season to level the match in the 25th minute. Francisco Xisco broke the deadlock in the 49th minute to give Betis a 2-1 lead and Jesus Capi scored 17 minutes later to secure all three points for Betis, which is now seven points clear of the drop zone with five games to play.

The loss damages Atletico's hopes of a top-four finish because fifth-place Racing will be able to take over fourth place with a win at home against Real Madrid on Sunday.

Betis started the game stronger and they made the most of their good start with a goal 15 minutes into the match. Former Atletico striker Jose Mari drove a shot on target that Atletico goalkeeper Leo Franco was forced to parry. However, the ball fell into the path of Juande and he finished off the play to put the visitors in front.

Aguero brought the hosts level 10 minutes later when he picked up the ball 25 yards from goal and thrashed a shot past Betis keeper Espinosa Casto, but Atletico was not in top form on the day and Betis took over in the second half.

It took only three minutes after the restart for Betis to go in front when Xisco stepped up to a free kick that was 25 yards from goal. The striker then curled a perfect left-footed shot into the upper corner that stunned Franco.

Betis defender Melli then made it a two-goal game as he made a great run through midfield before setting up Capi for the team's third goal.

Barcelona was held to another disappointing 0-0 draw by Espanyol which leaves them eight points back of Real Madrid and in danger of falling out of the title race, while Real Zaragoza notched a 3-0 win over Recreativo and Sevilla was stunned 4-1 by fellow top-half side Almeria.