Madrid closes on top spot as Atletico slips

Real Madrid is back within touching distance of the top of La Liga after punishing another Atletico Madrid slip by beating Real Valladolid 1-0 on Saturday.

Atletico could have stretched its lead to 11 points by winning back-toback games against Levante, but instead drew 1-1 on Wednesday before losing 2-0 on Saturday.

Casemiro’s second-half header for Real Madrid cut the gap to just three points, albeit Atletico still has a game in hand.

“It’s not because Atletico lost. We believe we can win the league,” said Casemiro. “There are still 42 (potential) points left, that’s a lot of points.”

“League campaigns are always the same, with big moments, difficulties, obstacles, for everyone, not only for Atletico Madrid,” said Atletico coach Diego Simeone, whose side faces Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday.

“The teams that are strong in those moments are the ones that will achieve their objectives.”