Routine win against Malaga sees Atletico climb to third in La Liga

Goals from Koke and Felipe Luis helped Atletico Madrid register a 2-0 win away over Malaga and jump to the third spot provisionally in the La Liga football championship.

Atletico on Saturday night did their homework with a typically solid performance that saw them happy to soak up pressure and hit their rivals with two sucker punches.

Koke put Atletico ahead in the 26th minute and a rare Felipe Luis goal confirmed the win 15 minutes from time to mean that while Atletico are warming up nicely for next weekend's Madrid derby Malaga are slipping ever closer to relegation.

Real Sociedad dropped two points as they were held to a 1-1 draw by fourth from bottom Leganes, who produced another solid performance in a rainy Anoeta Stadium

Alexandr Szymanovski put Leganes ahead with a clever finish on the half hour, but an improved second half display from Real Sociedad saw Juanmi equalise in the 52nd minute.

Eibar kept their hopes of qualifying for Europe alive as they fought back from a goal down to win 3-2 away against Villarreal.

Roberto Soriano opened the scoring in the 18th minute only for Pedro Leo to equalise following a controversial penalty two minutes after halftime.

Kiko then put Eibar ahead in the 54th minute and Takashi Inui made it 3-1 with 13 minutes remaining before Soriano's second of the game gave Villarreal hope in the last minute.

Athletic Club Bilbao remain seventh and close the gap on Villarreal after a 2-1 win away to Osasuna, who have yet to win in front of their fans this season.

Aritz Aduiz's 100th goal for the club paved the way for the win in the 11th minute and Inaki Williams doubled the visitors' lead on the stroke of half time.

Athletic had chances to add to their lead after the break and were made to suffer in the closing minutes after Sergio Leon pulled a goal back for Osasuna.

--IANS

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