Atlético edge Celta to close gap

Club Atlético de Madrid closed to within six points of Liga leaders FC Barcelona by beating RC Celta de Vigo 1-0 while Valencia CF also emerged victorious.

Diego Simeone's outfit looked like they would be frustrated as Celta defended resolutely, Koke's 12th-minute drive against a post the closest the hosts came in the opening half. However, the introduction of Adrián López after 72 minutes proved pivotal as his crisp snap-shot from 25 metres punctured the visitors' resistance and the UEFA Super Cup holders held on despite Miranda's late red card.

Valencia, who will face Paris Saint-Germain FC in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, had lost their last two home games but leapfrogged opponents Getafe CF into ninth spot with a 4-2 victory at Mestalla. Ernesto Valverde's men surged two goals ahead inside seven minutes through Roberto Soldado and Jonas, and Ricardo Costa restored the buffer after Álvaro Vázquez had responded for the visitors. Alexis kept Getafe in the hunt but Nelson Valdez settled matters in added time.