La Liga: Faltering Atletico Madrid Stumble Again At Real Betis

Jose Gimenez's early own goal consigned Atletico Madrid to a 1-0 defeat at Real Betis on Sunday in La Liga. Atletico's third loss in five matches across all competitions left Diego Simeone's side fourth, trailing league leaders Barcelona by 10 points after 11 matches. Betis put on a vibrant display and after surviving a late Atletico onslaught rose to fifth, two points behind their opponents. "They were better than us, they had more chances, but in the second half the team tried. We hit the woodwork twice," Atletico captain Koke told Movistar after his team's first league defeat.

"There's a long way to go and we will keep working, stay quiet, work more in training and compete in matches as we have to, and keep going."

Atletico have drawn five times this season, giving up significant ground in the title race already.

"No (I'm not worried), I know clearly what the path is, I know where we have to work, I know that football is about the work," said Simeone.

"They are fair winners and we have to improve and keep working as we've always done."

Betis took the lead in the fourth minute, when Gimenez tried to clear Ez Abde's cross but hacked the ball into his own net.

It was the worst possible start for Atletico, trying to bounce back after they threw away the lead against French side Lille in the Champions League to lose 3-1 in midweek.

The hosts were dominant at their Benito Villamarin stadium, creating several chances without being unable to convert them to make the game safe.

Former Barcelona winger Abde fired wide when sent clean through and then struck the crossbar after Vitor Roque backheeled the ball into his path.

The Brazil striker, on loan from league leaders Barca, then smashed a shot into the side netting from a