Saul Niguez scored the game-winner in the 87th minute as Atletico Madrid beat Villarreal 2-1 on Monday, putting his team fourth in La Liga.
Diego Simeone’s side took advantage of Athletic Bilbao’s loss to La Liga leaders Real Madrid on Sunday to return to the Champions League qualification places, although it was a late exit.
Axel Witsel gave Atletico the lead in the ninth minute, but Alexander Sorloth kept the visitors alive for a while after the break in an entertaining clash.
He substitutes Saul for a draw in the final less than five minutes after his entry.
Atletico has taken a two-point lead over Athletic with 8 games remaining, still trailing third-placed Girona by seven points.
“(Saul) did well in the game and scored a wonderful goal,” Simeone told Movistar.
“I’ve put him on several times because I’m in him and I hope he can bring us a lot. “
Simeone said his team still needed to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
“Athletic are having a very intelligent season, Girona are performing and we want to improve,” said the coach.
“The speed of the game and the intensity determine things and we want to do it in that sense. “
Witsel drew first blood with a fine header into Rodrigo Riquelme’s corner, turning his body to find the ball near the post and send it into the back of the net.
The 35-year-old Belgian had scored a goal for Atletico, who also faced Villarreal last November.
Sorloth put Villarreal the equaliser five minutes into the second half with a low and accurate shot from the edge of the area.
Angel Correa shot wide and Alvaro Morata fired straight at Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, albeit from a wide angle, as Atletico struggled to get back in front.
Jan Oblak saved a low shot deflected from Yerson Mosquera at the end to open the match.
Finally, Saul scored from the edge of the box shortly after coming on the bench, and although Atletico had to wait nervously for VAR to review a possible offside, the goal was awarded.
Villarreal came close to equalising in stoppage time when Bertrand Traoré’s cross slipped past everyone and went over Oblak’s post.
The defeat leaves Villarreal in what has been a disappointing season for them.
“I’m happy, more for the win than for the goal, it’s important,” Witsel told Movistar.
“(Simeone) wants us to do better, but he will be very satisfied with the win. “