Saúl Ñíguez once again came up big for Atlético Madrid on Sunday, scoring the only goal in a far-from-perfect display at Real Betis. Atlético kept another clean sheet and picked up three vital points as they ran their unbeaten run away from home in LaLiga to 20 games.

Diego Simeone, along with Koke and Savić, spoke to the press after the win.

Diego Simeone

His thoughts on the match:

“It was a very difficult and tough match. Betis started off strongly, especially in the first 20 minutes where they were far superior to us, but we responded well and began to seize control of the match.

“Betis had the ball and tried to create chances, but we were very solid defensively. For us, it was very important to get the win.

“Betis made us change our system three times, but the good thing is that footballers can play in various positions.”

Koke

On the match:

"It was a hard game. Betis play well, but we knew how to take advantage of our chances."

On being three points behind Barcelona:

"We have to keep this up game-by-game. Hopefully we win our two remaining matches before the winter break."

Stefan Savić

On Šime Vrsaljko playing and assisting Saúl’s goal:

“I thought he played well. He had a knee injury, then a back problem but now he has overcome everything. I hope he will continue like this, because he is a very good guy and an important player for us.

“I think he will stay with the team and today he showed that he has the quality to stay. I don't know what they think in the board, but I'm sure he wants to be here and I hope he will be.”

On staying in the title hunt:

“In the end, the game itself is always forgotten and what matters are the results. I think that we are now playing well and we will continue like this to fight for the league.

“When we started everybody said that we weren't going to be competing for the title, but now Atlético have returned.”