Nico Gaitan goal the difference as Atletico Madrid edge win over Betis

Nico Gaitan’s goal proved the difference as Atletico Madrid continued their winning start to 2017 in La Liga against a spirited, and somewhat unfortunate, Real Betis side.

The Argentine found the net after just nine minutes following a lightning start by Diego Simeone’s side. That has been a rarity for Atletico Madrid this season, but the hosts failed to build on that start, allowing Real Betis back into the contest.

Ruben Castro proved to be a thorn in the side of the capital club throughout the game, testing Miguel Angel Moya on a number of occasions. Atletico Madrid found a way to hold out, though, meaning they have won both of their Liga fixtures in the new year without conceding a goal.

Despite the win Simeone will surely be concerned with how his side allowed Real Betis a way back into the match after such a positive start. Atletico Madrid are stringing results together at the moment, but they still have plenty progress to make before they can be considered a true force again.

It very nearly came to an end last season. With Fernando Torres’ contract running down towards the end of the 2015/16 campaign it looked certain that the striker would leave the Vicente Calderon once and for all. But then he found a vein of form that persuaded the club to offer him a new deal.

Now, Torres looks sluggish, off the pace and devoid of the instinct that has made him one of Europe’s most potent strikers for the best part of a decade. Is this finally the end for him as an Atletico player? The end appears to be nigh.

The veteran striker posed a threat to Atletico Madrid all evening long, testing Moya with a number of efforts. He failed to find the net, but Real Betis’ second half resurgence was down to the influence of Casto, who drove his side forward almost on his own at times. If only Betis had more players who were as headstrong and as confident in their ability as their frontman.

Atletico Madrid - Moya 7, Vrsaljko 7, Godin 6, Savic 5, Filipe 6, Gabi 7, Koke 6, Saul 6, Gaitan 7, Griezmann 5, Torres 5. Subs - Carrasco 6, Gameiro 5.

Real Betis - Adan 6, Piccini 5, Carlos 6, Pezzella 6, Durmisi 5, Martin 6, Ceballos 7, Donk 8, Brasanac 5, Alegria 6, Castro 8. Subs - Joaquin 5, Nahuel 5, Zozulya 5.

9’ GOAL! Atletico Madrid 1-0 Real Betis: The home side have the lead within 10 minutes! A cross from the right side was deflected into the path of Gaitan, who stuck out a leg to turn the ball home.

39’ CASTRO EFFORT ON GOAL! Atletico Madrid give up possession on the edge of their own box, allowing Castro the chance to shoot. But his effort is straight down the throat of Moya. Betis are coming into this now.

72’ TOO CLOSE TO MOYA! Another chance for the away side. Ceballos' backheel sets up Castro for the shot, but his effort is too close to the keeper and Moya makes the save.

75’ CARRASCO EFFORT! That's the best chance the home side have had since their opening goal. Carrasco cut inside and forced the save from the keeper, Donk clears the danger.

Atletico Madrid have won their last seven meetings with Real Betis, keeping a clean sheet in five of them.

Koke became the fourth player to complete more than 1,000 passes in La Liga this season (after Steven N'Zonzi, Asier Illarramendi and Roque Mesa).