Diego Simeone has not given up hope of Atletico Madrid catching Barcelona in the title race despite suffering their second La Liga defeat of the season at Real Betis.
After Barca came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw with Valencia on Saturday, Atletico had the chance to close the gap to three points with victory in Seville.
However, they were unable to leave the Benito Villamarin with anything after Sergio Canales converted a second-half penalty to seal a 1-0 home win.
The loss ends an 18-unbeaten run by the side from the Spanish capital and leaves Atletico six adrift of Barca with 16 games remaining.