Atletico Madrid were given a huge let-off on Saturday as Elche missed a 91st-minute penalty, allowing the La Liga leaders to escape with a 1-0 win and go five points clear at the top of the table.
Elche’s Fidel Chaves struck the post with his injury-time spot-kick in what could prove a pivotal moment in Spain’s thrilling title race, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla all still in the hunt to be crowned champions.
Marcos Llorente gave Atleti the lead at the Estadio Martinez Valero but they failed to make the result secure and Elche twice could have equalised in the final minutes.
First, Antonio Barragan volleyed over from close range and then Llorente’s handball gave Fidel a golden opportunity from the spot but he too squandered the chance.
Diego Simeone leapt into the air when the ball came back off the post, his side pulling further clear and putting pressure on the others, with Real Madrid at home to Osasuna before Barcelona travel to Valencia on Sunday. Sevilla, who are now six points behind, play their game in hand on Monday against Athletic Bilbao.
After a frantic week that saw Real Madrid draw at home to Real Betis, Atletico lose against Athletic and Barcelona defeated by Granada, any victory, even one as marginal as this, will be welcome for Atleti.
They are now guaranteed to be ahead of Barca when they kick off at Camp Nou next Saturday, the only question now how significant their advantage will be.