Football news - Atletico Madrid increase La Liga lead with victory at Villarreal

La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid secured a vital 2-0 win away to Villarreal on Sunday to reaffirm their title ambitions following a difficult run of results. Diego Simeone's men were coming off the back of two consecutive defeats, to Levante in La Liga and then Chelsea in the first-round of their Champions League tie.

Atletico Madrid maintained their title challenge with a 2-0 win at Villarreal on Sunday in La Liga.

Diego Simeone's side were smarting from twin defeats to Levante and Chelsea but went ahead in the 25th minute courtesy of an Alfonso Pedraza own goal following a goalmouth scramble, the strike being flagged offside then given after a VAR review.

Atletico survived another video review just before halftime when Thomas Lemar was shown a yellow card rather than a red for elbowing an opponent before record signing Joao Felix came off the bench to double their lead in the 69th on the volley.

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A first win in four games in all competitions moved Atletico on to 58 points after 24 games, five clear of second-placed Barcelona, who have played 25, and six above third-placed Real Madrid.

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