Antony struck the decisive blow before half-time as Real Betis stunned Atlético Madrid 1-0 at the Estadio Metropolitano, inflicting Diego Simeone’s side’s first home defeat of the LaLiga season and gaining swift revenge for their Copa del Rey humiliation just three days earlier.

Still reeling from Thursday’s brutal 5-0 quarter-final loss, Atlético began with urgency and intent. Ademola Lookman, who had marked his debut in that cup rout with a goal, nearly carried that momentum into league action when his early effort drifted narrowly wide of the far post after 10 minutes.

Betis weathered the early pressure and soon threatened themselves, carving out two golden opportunities for Cédric Bakambu. The striker was sent clean through on goal on both occasions, but Jan Oblak stood firm to deny him twice in one-on-one situations.

As the visitors grew in confidence, their pressure told in the 28th minute. Antony cut inside from the right and unleashed a curling effort from the edge of the area that Oblak could only palm into his own net at the near post, giving Betis a crucial lead.

That strike marked the Brazilian’s 18th goal involvement of the campaign across all competitions (10 goals, eight assists) and seemed to knock the wind out of Atlético. The hosts thought they had responded just before the interval when Lookman headed home, but celebrations were cut short as the flag went up for offside.

Trailing at half-time in a LaLiga match for the first time this season, Simeone reacted decisively, making three changes at the break. Robin Le Normand, Álex Baena and Alexander Sørloth were introduced as Atlético went in search of a response.

Sørloth came agonisingly close to restoring parity just after the hour mark, his powerful header from a corner grazing the top of the crossbar, before he later directed another effort straight at Álvaro Valles. Atlético’s frustration deepened when Diego Llorente turned the ball into his own net with 16 minutes remaining, only for VAR to rule the goal out after Griezmann was deemed offside in the build-up.

Despite sustained late pressure from the hosts, Betis remained resolute to protect their slender advantage. The final whistle confirmed the end of Atlético’s perfect home league record, which had included 10 straight LaLiga wins at the Metropolitano, while also snapping Betis’ seven-game losing streak away to Atlético in the top flight.

Manuel Pellegrini will take huge encouragement from his side’s response to their midweek disappointment, as the victory keeps Betis fifth and firmly in the hunt for UEFA Champions League qualification. Atlético remain third, but their title ambitions continue to fade, now sitting 13 points adrift of leaders Barcelona.