Diego Costa and David Villa delivered again for Atletico Madrid, whose Spanish league title charge continued to gain strength with a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
Villa enjoyed Atletico's best opportunities at the Vicente Calderon Stadium and put the hosts ahead after 32 minutes yesterday by volleying Juanfran's headed-on cross through the crowded area into goal.
Nine minutes later, Koke delivered a perfect ball to Costa, who the cut back to dribble around Erik Moran and fire a low shot beyond goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz for his joint league-leading 13th goal of the season.
Bilbao rarely threatened and was reduced to 10 men in the 81st when Moran was shown a second yellow. "The team showed great rhythm right from the start and from the first 15 minutes on we dominated the game," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said.
Atletico's 11th win in 12 rounds left it one point behind leader Barcelona, which has 34 points following its 1-0 win over Espanyol on Friday. Real Madrid, which beat Rayo Vallecano 3-2 on Saturday, is third in the standings with 28 points.
"We're not frustrated that Barcelona keeps winning. We're just happy to keep competing with them after so many rounds," Simeone said.
Also yesterday, Valencia lifted some of the pressure of coach Miroslav Djukic with its first win in five rounds, a 1-0 victory at Getafe. Granada scored in stoppage time for a 1-0 win at Levante, while Malaga also needed an injury time winner from a late substitute to beat Real Betis 3-2.
Costa, the Brazilian-born, naturalized Spaniard, has spearheaded Atletico's title credentials so far this season. But it was captain Gabi who first tested Iraizoz in the 18th, and the Basque goalie made an outstanding reaction save to a low drive.
