Atletico Madrid returned to the top of La Liga with a 1-1 draw away to Real Betis on Sunday but did so at the expense of losing yet more players to injury, leaving their title hopes hanging by a thread.
Diego Simeone’s side got off to an ideal start when Yannick Carrasco dribbled into an empty net in the fifth minute thanks to a lucky bounce but Betis levelled with a thumping volley from Cristian Tello in the 20th.
Defending champions Real Madrid had gone top on Saturday after beating third-placed Barcelona 2-1.
Yannick Carrasco put Atletico ahead when he latched onto a loose ball and tapped home but Cristian Tello levelled with a cushioned finish.
Joao Felix went off in the first half to add to their problems, with fellow forwards Luis Suarez and Moussa Dembele already sidelined. England right-back Kieran Tripper also limped off late on.
They were fortunate to avoid conceding again as Betis dominated the second half and missed several chances to take the lead.
Yet Atletico were not far from snatching a winner, striker Angel Correa forcing two fine saves from Claudio Bravo in stoppage time.
Diego Simeone’s Atletico, who were 10 points clear at the end of January, have only won three of their past 11 games in all competitions and look to be running out of steam.
They returned to the summit on 67 points, one ahead of Real Madrid and two clear of Barcelona with eight games remaining.
