Captain Sergio Aguero scored twice as Atletico Madrid strengthened their bid for a Europa League berth with a 4-1 home victory over in-form Levante at the Vicente Calderon.
Atletico took the lead through Elias’ free-kick and, although Levante levelled just before half-time with a Felipe Caicedo penalty, Aguero netted two goals after the break to put the Rojiblancos in charge before a late own goal from visiting goalkeeper Gustavo Munua completed the scoring.
The victory lifted sixth-placed Atletico onto 49 points and left them three clear of Sevilla – who played fourth-placed Villarreal on Sunday evening – and four above Espanyol, who lost at Sporting Gijon.
Levante came into the match as one of the success stories of the season, going from rock-bottom of the standings in January to possible European challengers after racking up eight wins in 12 games, with their only defeat coming at Real Madrid.
Another victory would have left the promoted outfit just a point behind Atletico, but they ended up empty-handed as Quique Sanchez Flores’ men deservedly claimed the win.