Atlético Madrid moved to the top of La Liga after they beat 10-man Real Betis 2-0 on Sunday and Real Madrid lost at home to Barcelona.

Diego Simeone's side struggled to break down bottom-placed Betis until Bryan Rodríguez was shown a second yellow card for swiping at the ball with his hand in the 55th minute. Gabi opened the scoring three minutes after the sending-off, the Atlético midfielder smashing a swerving drive beyond Antonio Adán from 10 yards outside the area.

Diego Costa made it 2-0 in the 64th minute after Koke headed on for the Spain striker to fire home his 23rd league goal and 31st in all competitions.

While Atlético's season-long surge sees no signs of dipping with nine rounds left, last-placed Betis are running out of time to avoid relegation after falling nine points from safety.

Sunday's results mean Atlético top the table from Madrid on head-to-head records, with Barcelona a point behind them. It is shaping up to be the closest La Liga title race in years.