Atletico Madrid took a giant step towards the Spanish title with a nervy 2-1 win over Real Sociedad to go four points clear at the top of La Liga.
Diego Simeone’s side came into the match having watched Barcelona slip up against Levante the night before and they made the most of that by blowing away La Real at the Wanda Metropolitano.
It took Atleti just 16 minutes to take the lead, with Yannick Carrasco controlling a Marcos Llorente lofted pass into the box before squeezing a low finish underneath goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
And the hosts doubled their advantage soon after when Angel Correa found the far corner of the net with a composed finish after being played through on goal by the influential Llorente.
Real Sociedad were forced to withdraw Alexander Isak at half-time, but still posed a threat in the second half. However, Jan Oblak kept the visitors out as Atletico Madrid looked set to see out the win with relative ease.
A late goal from substitute Igor Zubeldia gave Real Sociedad a lifeline, with Atleti showing some nerves towards the end of the match. However, Simeone and his players did enough to secure all three points as fans celebrated outside the stadium.
The result moves Atletico Madrid four points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga and five points clear of Real Madrid, who will play their game in-hand against Granada on Thursday night.
MAN OF THE MATCH – YANNICK CARRASCO (ATLETICO MADRID)
He was the standout performer for Atletico Madrid against Barcelona on Saturday and Carrasco was once again their best player here. The Belgian has been a key figure for Atleti this season, giving them a genuine threat out wide. Carrasco has been predominantly used as a wing back, but Simeone has moved him slightly further forward recently, putting the 27-year-old closer to goal. That paid dividends as Carrasco sent Atletico Madrid on their way with a crucial opener.