A thunderbolt from Angel Correa gave Atletico Madrid a hard-fought victory over Valencia to move them within nine points of Barcelona.
Diego Simeone’s side had been given some pre-match optimism after Barca’s draw with Catalan rivals Espanyol allowed them to reduce the gap at the top to single digits.
Atleti suffered a blow early in the second half, when central defender Diego Godin was substituted off after losing several teeth in an accidental collision with Valencia goalkeeper Neto.
Stefan Savic was also withdrawn with a hamstring injury, before Correa’s powerful effort decided the game just before the hour mark.
