Atletico Madrid closed within six points of table-toppers Barcelona with a 1-0 La Liga victory over Celta de Vigo on Friday.
Diego Simeone’s side have been in terrific form so far this season and even though they were not at their best on this occasion, they did just enough to collect another three points.
Celta de Vigo have struggled for form this season but a 2-1 Copa del Rey win over Real Madrid last week boosted the confidence within the team ahead of what could be a relegation dogfight this season.
They were not expected to get a result in front of 45,000 fans in Madrid but the visitors put up a good fight in the first half.
The scoreline remained 0-0 until the 77th minute when substitute Adrian lashed a 20-yard strike past Celta de Vigo goalkeeper Javi Varas and into the top left corner of the net.
And despite Atletico being reduced to 10 men when Brazilian defender Miranda was given a second yellow card with four minutes remaining, they held on for an important victory.
In the other match on Friday, Valencia romped to a 4-2 home success against Getafe at the Mestalla.
The winners made a flying start as Soldado, Jonas and Ricardo Costa all scored in the first 30 minutes.
Alexis’ goal on the hour-mark narrowed Valencia’s lead to 3-2 and Getafe were in the game right until the last minute, when a goal from Paraguayan substitute Nelson Valdez settled the result.
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