Atletico Madrid move clear in second place after beating Espanyol

Atletico Madrid took all three points from Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium and strengthened their position in the LaLiga title race. A venue that had rarely been kind to Simeone's side ended up delivering a crucial win, one that guarantees Atletico finish the weekend alone in second place and five points behind a Barcelona team still perfect this season.

• Atletico won at a ground where they had previously struggled.
• Alex Baena's goal and the early full-time whistle settled the contest.
• The result put Atletico second in the table before Betis hosted Barcelona.
• Barcelona's 2-5 win over Real Betis left Atletico five points behind the leaders.
• The Real Madrid-Sevilla match on Sunday could widen the gap to the chasing sides.

A major win at a difficult away ground

The RCDE Stadium has not been a comfortable place for Atletico Madrid in recent seasons. The club's away record there made this victory particularly significant within their strong start to the campaign. Simeone's men managed the fixture with the kind of control that had often been missing on previous visits.

Alex Baena's goal settles the match

The game turned on a strike from Alex Baena that gave Atletico breathing room. Shortly afterwards, referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez brought the match to a close only five minutes after the goal, sealing an away win that keeps the visitors firmly in the title conversation.

LaLiga table after Betis vs Barcelona

With the Espanyol win secured, Atletico provisionally sat second with 22 points, waiting to see what Real Betis would do later at La Cartuja. Any result in the Betis-Barcelona clash worked in Atletico's favour: either they would cut the gap to the leaders or remain alone in second place.

Barcelona eventually won 2-5 against Betis, a scoreline that kept the Catalan side top with 27 points and left Atletico as the only team in second. Betis, on 19 points, stay in the hunt but lose ground on the top two.

Real Madrid vs Sevilla offers a chance to pull away

Sunday brings another key fixture for Atletico's ambitions as Real Madrid face Sevilla with plenty on the line for both clubs. Real Madrid sit four points behind Atletico, while Sevilla are eight back, meaning any outcome in that match could extend the cushion between Simeone's side and their closest rivals.

Whatever happens, Atletico will end the weekend securely in second place. The gap over third and the consistency shown so far make them the most credible challenger to a Barcelona side that has won every league match.

Atletico look the most reliable challenger to Barcelona

Atletico's 22 points make them the most dependable side in the pursuit of Barcelona. Behind them in the standings are Real Betis with 19 points, Real Madrid with 18 and Sevilla with 14. Sunday's results could confirm a trend that is currently working firmly in Atletico's favour.