Atletico Madrid recorded their fifth consecutive win with a 2-1 victory over Real Valladolid at the Vicente Calderon, although they were made to work hard for the points by the newly promoted side.
Diego Godin opened the scoring for the hosts on the half hour as he exchanged passes with Koke before lifting the ball calmly over Jaime, and Radamel Falcao continued his fantastic form by slotting home a penalty a minute before the break.
However the visitors were gifted a way back into the game when Thibaut Courtois fumbled Alberto Bueno’s weak effort into his own net, and the Europa League holders were grateful for the final whistle as Valladolid piled on the pressure towards the end.