Saul Niguez slotted home an 87th minute winner to help Atletico Madrid to a 2-1 win over Villarreal on Monday, taking his team fourth in La Liga.

Atletico Madrid Secures Late Victory

Diego Simeone's side capitalized on Athletic Bilbao's defeat by La Liga leaders Real Madrid on Sunday to move back into the Champions League qualification places, even if they left it late.

Match Summary

Axel Witsel nodded Atletico ahead after nine minutes but Alexander Sorloth pegged back the visitors soon after half-time of an entertaining clash, before Saul decided the game in the final stages.

Table Standings

Atletico moved two points clear of Athletic with eight matches remaining, still trailing third-place Girona by seven points.

Key Moments

Witsel drew first blood with a fine header from Rodrigo Riquelme's corner, twisting his body to meet the ball at the near post and direct it looping home at the far.

Villarreal's Response

Sorloth pulled Villarreal level five minutes into the second half with an accurate low finish from the edge of the box.

Match Analysis

Angel Correa flashed a shot narrowly off target and Alvaro Morata fired straight at Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, albeit from a wide angle, as Atletico scrambled to go back in front.

Final Outcome

Jan Oblak saved a low deflected effort from Yerson Mosquera at the other end, with the game opening up. Eventually Saul stroked home from the edge of the box and although Atletico had to nervously wait out a VAR check for a possible offside, the goal was given.

Villarreal's Efforts

Villarreal came close to leveling deep in stoppage time when Bertrand Traore's cross evaded everyone and flew just past Oblak's far post.

Post-Match Analysis

Defeat leaves Villarreal 10th in what has been an underwhelming season for them.