La Liga

Falcao Fires Atlético Madrid Into Second

Two goals from Falcao helped Atlético Madrid come from behind twice to beat Real Betis Balompié 4-2 and move up to second place in La Liga.

The Colombia striker’s first of the night, a close-range finish from Raúl García’s driven centre, cancelled out Agra’s 25th-minute opener for Betis. An own goal from Juanfran on the cusp of half-time edged Betis ahead again, only for Falcao to restore parity early in the second period from the penalty spot – his 12th goal in his last seven outings for club and country.

Betis, who had Damien Perquis sent off for giving away the spot kick, conceded again when Diego Costa scored his first of the season seven minutes later following Mario Suárez’s corner. Joel Campbell’s dismissal with 13 minutes to go reduced Betis to nine men, and a disappointing night for the Seville club was sealed by García in added time.

Atlético, four points behind Liga leaders FC Barcelona, have won their last six matches in all competitons since starting the season with a 1-1 draw at Levante.