The Belgian international winger, untenable on his left wing, converted a penalty caused by Matheus Cunha (40th), hooked by Jesus Vallejo in the box, thus propelling Atlético six points ahead of Betis Sevilla (5th, 58 pts), showered by Barça 2-1 on Saturday night.

A victory on the lawn of Elche on Wednesday (9:30 p.m.) would thus be enough for the Colchoneros, who have the advantage of the particular goal average over Betis (3-0, 3-1), to validate their ticket for the next edition of the queen of European competitions, and thus join Real and Barça, already qualified.

Real, crowned champion a week ago, approached this derby without pressure … and without great ambition: Carlo Ancelotti had decided to blow most of his executives after the breathless semi-final won against Manchester City on Wednesday.

Griezmann in legs

Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Vinicius, Ferland Mendy, and even Thibaut Courtois (supplied by the Ukrainian Andriy Lunin) thus gave up their starting place on Sunday evening.

Ancelotti launched some well in the second period, like Vinicius (61st), Mendy or Modric (68th), but without result.

Atlético striker Antoine Griezmann at the end of the match against Real Madrid, May 8, 2022 in Madrid GABRIEL BOUYS AFP

Atlético, which did not give a guard of honor to the freshly champion of Spain, was more enterprising, carried by Carrasco and Antoine Griezmann, who entered at the break in place of Angel Correa.

The Belgian was the best Rojiblanco on the lawn, as evidenced by his fast counterattack in the 77th, concluded with a powerful strike on the post.

And the French world champion, who has not scored for twelve matches in La Liga, acted as a distributor of good balls.

Simeone will probably have to do without Reinildo for the end of the season.

In the 72nd, the Brazilian lay down on the lawn, grimacing and pointing to his right knee.

He limped off and was replaced by Felipe.

Kounde goalscorer

Earlier in the day, Julen Lopetegui's Sevilla FC were hung 1-1 by Unai Emery's Villarreal on the Valencian coast.

The "Yellow Submarine" thought he opened the scoring twice: first in the 11th minute, on a brushed ball from Samu Chukwueze which crashed against the crossbar, then on the way back from the locker room, but the goal against his camp of former Girondin Jules Koundé was called off for a prior offside position.

Sevilla defender Jules Koundé (g) tackled by Villarreal striker Paco Alcacer, May 8, 2022 in Vila-real Jose Jordan AFP

It was at the very end of the match that the situation was resolved: in the 86th minute, Giovani Lo Celso took over from the left a ball repelled by Bono, but his goal was neutralized ten minutes later, after additional time ( 90th+5), with a goal from Koundé, his 3rd of the season, who pushed the ball into the cage after a corner.

A draw that does not help anyone: Sevilla will have to confirm its place in the Top 4 on Wednesday (8:30 p.m.) against the relegated Majorca, and Villarreal will have to try to get a result on the lawn of Rayo Vallecano Thursday (8:00 p.m.) to resist the return from Athletic Bilbao, one point behind, and validate their qualification for the Europa League Conference.

© 2022 AFP