Atletico beat Valencia to edge towards title

MADRID: Atletico Madrid took another huge step towards their first La Liga title in 18 years with a 1-0 win away to Valencia on Sunday.

Raul Garcia got the only goal of the game just before half-time to secure a ninth straight league win and move Los Rojiblancos within two more victories of sealing the championship with three games remaining.

Victory takes Atletico six points clear of Real Madrid having played a game more and seven ahead of Barcelona, who can cut the gap with a win away to Villarreal later on Sunday.

Despite the second leg of his side´s Champions League semi-final against Chelsea being just three days away, Simeone named a strong side with David Villa and Tiago coming into the side that started the first leg against the English club in midweek.

However, Simeone claimed important victories for both Atletico, and Chelsea over Liverpool on Sunday, won´t make any difference at Stamford Bridge come Wednesday.

The visitors started slowly but began to work themselves into the game as the first-half developed and Villa was inches away from a spectacular goal against his former club as his shot from outside the box swerved just off target.

Atletico made the vital breakthrough two minutes before half-time when Gabi´s lofted ball into the area picked out the run of Garcia and he cushioned a header in off the inside of the post to register his 17th goal of the season. Diego Costa should have put the game to bed six minutes into the second half when he was played clean through on goal, but he delayed his shot and allowed Vicente Guaita to save with an outstretched leg. (AFP)