MY ACCOUNT
Jan Oblak believes Atletico Madrid have turned a corner after battling to a 3-1 victory at Real Betis on Sunday.
Atleti followed up victories over Osasuna and Celta Vigo in LaLiga with three more points at Estadio Benito Villamarin to move above their opponents into fourth place.
Two goals for in-form Joao Felix, either side of Cristian Tello’s equaliser deep in first-half stoppage time, was followed up by a late strike by Thomas Lemar.
After winning three league games in a row for the first time this term, Oblak feels confident his side can hold off the chasing pack and secure a Champions League berth.
“This is a different Atletico, we have to continue like this,” Oblak told Movistar. “Only in this way can we reach the Champions League.
“There’s a long way to go. All the players and the coaching staff are involved in that. If we continue like this, we have no doubt [of finishing in the top four].”
Joao Felix has now scored four goals in his last four appearances in all competitions for Atletico, compared to three goals in his first 23 outings at club level this campaign.
He has scored two or more goals on five occasions for Los Colchoneros, though this is the first such occasion he has managed that since November 2020 against Cadiz.
While his output in front of goal has improved drastically in recent weeks, the Portugal international insists he has performed at a consistent level all campaign.
“Nothing has changed,” he said. “I was also doing things well before, but goals were missing. Now they are arriving and I’m hoping to keep it up.
“As a team we are well-connected and clear about our objective. We are performing well and our attitude is good. When that is the case, the quality shows.”
Atletico are two points better off than Betis, who slipped from third to fifth this weekend, and are level with Barcelona – 2-1 winners against Elche earlier on Sunday – in third.
Reflecting on a huge victory for his side with the pressure on, head coach Diego Simeone said: “We were facing a rival who is in a very good moment.
“You have to play with humility, with the same spirit, and go game by game. We will now try to get better.”
