It wasn’t pretty, but it was perfect. Atlético Madrid finally broke their five-month away win drought on Monday, October 27, 2025, with a gritty 2-0 victory over Real Betis at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville. Goals from 22-year-old striker Giuliano Simeone and 24-year-old midfielder Alex Baena in the first half silenced the home crowd and sent the traveling Atlético fans into a rare, relieved roar. This wasn’t just three points — it was a lifeline.
First Half Fireworks, No Second Half Drama
The match kicked off at 8:00 PM local time under the floodlights of Seville’s massive stadium. Within three minutes, the tension was gone. A long throw-in from Atlético’s right flank was half-cleared by Betis defenders, and Giuliano Simeone — son of manager Diego Simeone — pounced. Left foot, volley, curl. It flew past Pau López, Betis’s 31-year-old keeper, and into the top corner. No celebration. Just a nod. The goal was clinical, cold, and telling of the team’s new urgency.Then, in the final seconds of the first half, the counterattack came. After clearing a dangerous free kick from inside their own box, Atlético surged forward. Julián Álvarez, who’d already scored six goals this season, tore down the right wing like a man possessed. His cross was perfect — low, hard, and into the six-yard box. Alex Baena, unmarked and calm, tapped it in. 2-0. The stadium went quiet. The away bench erupted. It was the kind of goal that changes momentum — and seasons.
Koke’s Milestone and the Weight of Expectation
While the goals grabbed headlines, the quietest hero was Koke. At 33, the Spanish midfielder reached his 600th competitive appearance for Atlético Madrid — a club legend who joined the youth academy at 11 and never left. He didn’t score, didn’t assist. He just played. Every tackle, every pass, every shift in position was a masterclass in leadership. In a season where Atlético had looked disjointed, Koke was the glue. After their 4-0 thrashing by Arsenal FC in London just five days earlier, many wondered if this team had lost its soul. Koke’s presence said otherwise.Real Betis, meanwhile, entered the match with just one loss in 10 league games — 16 points from their 4-4-2 system. Their defense had been solid. Their home record, strong. But Atlético’s first-half intensity overwhelmed them. Betis created little. Their best chance? A long-range shot from Antony that sailed wide. He barely touched the ball after the 20th minute. The green-and-white side looked lost.
Why This Win Matters More Than the Table
Atlético moved into fourth place in LaLiga, leapfrogging Villarreal. But the real story is psychological. Their last away win? May 26, 2025 — a 1-0 victory over Cádiz CF at Estadio Nuevo Mirandilla. Five months. That’s longer than most people’s summer vacations. The pressure had been mounting. Fans were asking: Is this team still capable of winning on the road? The Champions League collapse in London had made it worse. This win wasn’t just about points. It was about belief.Diego Simeone’s side had won their last two league games — 3-1 over Getafe CF on October 19, then this. But those were home wins. This? This was different. Seville is a fortress. Estadio La Cartuja is loud, hostile, and rarely kind to visitors. To come here, score twice in 42 minutes, and shut the door? That’s the mark of a team finding its rhythm.
What’s Next? The Road to the Top
Atlético’s next match is at home against Valencia CF on November 2, 2025 — another chance to build momentum. But the real test comes after that: a trip to Camp Nou to face Barcelona on November 9. If they can win that, the title race gets very interesting.For Betis, the loss stings. They’ve been the surprise package of the season. Now, they’re stuck in third, with a home record that’s suddenly less intimidating. Their next fixture? A trip to Athletic Bilbao. If they can’t respond quickly, their early-season magic might fade.
Behind the Scenes: The Numbers That Tell the Story
- Atlético’s away record: 2 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses in 2025-26
- Real Betis’ home record: 4 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses — now under pressure
- Giuliano Simeone: 3 goals in all competitions this season — all in the last 4 matches
- Alex Baena: First goal of the season — his only one in 12 appearances
- Koke: 600 appearances for Atlético — 592 in LaLiga, 8 in European competitions
ESPN’s match timeline confirmed no red cards, no penalties, no VAR interventions. Just pure, unadulterated football — and the kind of result that reminds you why you watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Atlético Madrid break their five-month away win drought?
Atlético ended their drought with a disciplined, counter-attacking performance at Estadio La Cartuja, scoring early through Giuliano Simeone and sealing the win with Alex Baena’s goal in first-half stoppage time. Their defense held firm after the break, and they capitalized on Betis’s inability to control possession, something they’d done well in previous home matches. The win was their first away since beating Cádiz 1-0 on May 26, 2025.
Why is Giuliano Simeone’s goal significant?
Giuliano Simeone’s third goal of the season — a left-footed volley from the edge of the box — was his first in LaLiga and came under intense scrutiny as the son of manager Diego Simeone. Critics had questioned his role in the team, but this goal silenced doubters and marked his emergence as a reliable finisher. He’s now tied for third in Atlético’s scoring chart this season.
What does Koke’s 600th appearance mean for Atlético Madrid?
Koke’s 600th appearance is a club record for a one-club player in the modern era. Only three players in Atlético’s history have reached 500 appearances — Koke is now the first to hit 600. His leadership, especially after the Arsenal humiliation, was pivotal. He’s not just a midfielder; he’s the emotional core of the team, and his consistency has become legendary among fans.
How did Real Betis’ tactics fail in this match?
Betis relied on their 4-4-2 shape and home advantage, but Atlético’s high press disrupted their buildup. They failed to clear a simple throw-in for the first goal, and their midfield couldn’t track the quick transitions that led to Baena’s goal. Antony, their main attacking threat, was neutralized completely. Their lack of creativity in the final third cost them dearly.
Is Atlético Madrid now serious title contenders?
They’re back in the conversation. Moving into fourth after a poor start, they’ve won three of their last four league games. With key players like Simeone and Baena finding form, and Koke anchoring the midfield, they’re becoming harder to beat. A win against Valencia and a strong showing at Camp Nou could put them in the top two by December.
What’s the significance of this match for Diego Simeone’s legacy?
This win reinforces Diego Simeone’s ability to rally his team after setbacks. After the 4-0 Champions League loss, many questioned his tactical adjustments. But this performance — focused, ruthless, and emotionally charged — showed why he’s one of LaLiga’s most respected managers. He’s now 12-3-2 in his last 17 away league matches, proving his side can win anywhere.
