Atletico Madrid strengthened their grip on third in La Liga with a narrow 1-0 win against Villarreal at El Madrigal this evening.
Fernando Torres's second-half strike was enough for Los Rojiblancos to go six points clear of Sevilla, who moved up to fourth with a 3-1 win against Eibar earlier in the evening.
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Atletico were denied a penalty on 14 minutes when Antoine Griezmann went down under a challenge from Bojan Jokic, but the referee waved away appeals from the champions.
Moments later, Griezmann almost gave his side the lead when he drove into the Villarreal box before forcing a save from Sergio Asenjo.
Jesus Gamez's cross was met by Arda Turan on 22 minutes, but the Turkey international's effort flashed just over Asenjo's crossbar.
Mario Mandzukic then slipped in Koke before the half-hour mark, but the Spain midfielder's low effort flew just wide of the post as Atletico continued to push for the opener.
Victor Ruiz almost gave the home side the lead when he met a free kick from Manu Trigueros, but goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a one-handed save before Turan cleared off the line.
After the break, a half-chance fell Griezmann's way from Gamez's cross, but neither side offered much in the way of a clear-cut chance until the winner arrived from ex-Liverpool star Torres.
Villarreal were finally breached on 74 minutes when substitute Torres pounced on a mistake from Eric Bailly to round Asenjo and net the winner.
Paul Gorst
