With a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in LaLiga, Atletico Madrid narrowed the difference between themselves and second-place Real Madrid to just two points.
Atletico Madrid are only two points behind Real Madrid 👀 pic.twitter.com/cfMrjt0LEP
— GOAL (@goal) April 9, 2023
Meanwhile, Valencia suffered a critical 2-1 loss at Almeria, dropping them into the relegation zone, and Real Betis, playing with nine men, lost 2-0 to Cadiz at home, weakening their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
Atletico Madrid took control at Vallecas thanks to goals from defenders Nahuel Molina and Mario Hermoso, who scored two minutes apart in the first half.
A professional foul on Alvaro Morata by Rayo defender Florian Lejeune in the second half got him sent off, and allowed Atletico to cruise.
However, Fran Garcia’s powerful effort gave the home team some hope in the dying minutes.
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Atletico Madrid, however, held on to keep the pressure on champion Real Madrid, who lost 3-2 at home against Villarreal on Saturday.
The team led by Diego Simeone have been in excellent form this season, going unbeaten in their last 12 league games while winning nine of them.
Meanwhile, Rayo, who are ninth, have failed to earn a victory in their last eight league games.
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