Atletico Madrid picked up three valuable points away from home on Saturday, as they beat Getafe 0-1 to go within a point of securing second place, despite a late penalty for the home side.
Aside from being a Madrid derby, Saturday's clash was a big game for both sides, as they both looked to maintain good runs of form. Getafe, who have had a fantastic season, were looking to put pressure on Sevilla and Villarreal for the Europa League football that would come with sixth place.
Atletico, meanwhile, aimed to maintain their grip on second place, whilst also preparing for their upcoming Europa League final against Marseille. Despite this final being just four days away, Diego Simeone played all his stars at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, fielding a strong first XI, including both Diego Costa and Antoine Griezmann.
The game started off in a rather tense fashion, with both sides testing the waters, but Atletico quickly found their feet and punished Getafe early.
The first, and what turned out to be only, goal of the game came in the ninth minute, through Koke. The Spaniard was the beneficiary of some good work from Antoine Griezmann, who made a nice turn to cut into the box down the right. The Frenchman fed Koke, and the midfielder was given far too much time in the box. He settled himself and rifled it past Vicente Guaita at his far post to make it 0-1.
Overall, Atletico were deserved winners, after a fairly assured performance. They were their usual sturdy self in defence, and could have had a few more if Diego Costa or Fernando Torres had finished their dinner.
The win means that Atletico need just one point on the last day of the season to secure second place ahead of Real Madrid, and most importantly, they go into the Europa League final without any fresh injuries. Unfortunately for Getafe their European dream is over, however, as the result means they cannot make sixth place.