Madrid (AFP)

Atlético wants the C1 and gives itself the means! Diego Simeone's men took another step towards the Champions League on Saturday by winning in forceps over Valladolid (1-0).

With a goal from Vitolo at the end of their first meeting behind closed doors in their Metropolitano stadium, the "Colchoneros" pass third, tied on points with Seville (52 pts).

Atlético undoubtedly won in endurance this meeting where the crazy rhythm of this Liga - a match every three days - began to be felt, especially in the heat of the Spanish summer.

At the end of a second half-time muddy, it was Vitolo, just entered the game, who took advantage of a corner not intercepted by the Valladolid Caro goalkeeper to send his header the ball just behind the line (80th).

The 15th of the Spanish Championship, which proved dangerous at the start of the match, with a shot from Waldo (4th) diverted by Oblak, and by Matheus Fernandes (30th), at the end of a counter, was not obtained already more opportunities for a long time, tired for lack of a bench provided enough.

The Atletico did not deliver a good second period either. His scorers Alvaro Morata or Joao Félix, who showed great things at the start of the game, were dulled to be replaced on time.

But the depth of the bench of Madrid - only four of the holders aligned Wednesday at kickoff against Osasuna (5-0 victory) started against Valladolid - allowed them to take the three points.

Eight days to go, the big challenge for Atleti is to secure a C1 qualification which has not escaped its attention since 2012.

Difficult indeed to hope better as the giants Barcelona and Real Madrid made the hole at the head of the Liga. Barça leads with 65 points and Real can join if they win Sunday (8:00 p.m. GMT) on Real Sociedad.

- Getafe patina -

Above all, Diego Simeone's team keeps away its neighbor Getafe, held in check on Saturday (1-1) by the misclassified Eibar and now fifth at four points.

The club in the southern suburbs of Madrid, which has not won in three days since the resumption of the championship, sees its hopes of C1 go away with this draw.

The "Azulones" opened the scoring thanks to a goal by the Nigerian Peter Etebo (30th), but the Basques equalized with a crossed head from the Brazilian Charles (45th + 5).

Getafe, who can go down to sixth place if Real Sociedad wins on Sunday, can still dream of a second consecutive European season. Especially since José Bordalas' team is still in the Europa League, at the stage of the round of 16.

At the bottom, Espanyol, beaten at home by Levante (3-1), sinks to the last place, three points from the first non-relegation.

© 2020 AFP