Atlético steal a march on Barcelona

Club Atlético de Madrid moved to the top of the Spanish table after Diego Costa's penalty secured a 3-2 victory against stubborn Levante UD.

The team from Valencia took the lead early through Andreas Ivanschitz's close-range shot, but Atlético turned the game on its head. First, Diego Godín finished with a header from a corner before Diego Costa supplied a brilliant volley from Gabi's free-kick to make it 2-1 just after the restart. Pedro Rios, though, replied on the counter following a mazy run.

A foul on Juanfran in the box nonetheless allowed Diego Costa to restore his side's lead once more with 19 minutes to go, and Levante were reduced to ten men in added time when Juanfran was sent off. The victory lifted Diego Simeone's side to the top of the Liga, though FC Barcelona will reclaim the summit if they win against Getafe CF on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, Sevilla FC held on with ten men to secure a 2-1 win at Villarreal CF, defender Cala opening the scoring and being sent off with four minutes remaining. Real Betis Balompié remain rooted to the foot of the table following a 1-0 loss at home against UD Almería, while the evening closed with Real Sociedad de Fútbol winning 3-1 at Granada CF.