Costa header secures Champions League place for Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid are assured of a Champions League berth for the 2020-21 season thanks to Diego Costa's 74th-minute header against Real Betis on Saturday.

Atleti played with 10 men from the 57th minute after Mario Hermoso was sent off for a reckless challenge, and had two goals chalked off by VAR earlier in the tie.

Real Betis were the superior side in the second half, but Diego Simeone's team held on for a 1-0 win.

Atletico Madrid are on 66 points after 36 matches, nine points above fifth-place Villarreal, who have a game in hand. Atleti's spot in the top four is safe due to their head-to-head record against Villarreal; the capital club has registered a win and a draw in La Liga meetings with the Yellow Submarine.

Costa netted his crucial goal when Yannick Carrasco lifted a free-kick into the area. Atletico Madrid are now unbeaten in 14 league outings.