Garcia takes Atletico within touching distance of title

Atletico Madrid moved even closer to their first Spanish league title in 18 years on Sunday with a 1-0 victory at Valencia. Raul Garcia scored with an expert header in the 43rd minute, and Atletico’s defence did the rest.

Atletico Madrid moved even closer to their first Spanish league title in 18 years on Sunday with a 1-0 victory at Valencia.

Raul Garcia scored with an expert header in the 43rd minute, and Atletico’s defence did the rest as it gave Valencia no chance to rally at its Mestalla Stadium.

Diego Simeone’s side moved six points clear of Real Madrid, who have a game advantage, while Barcelona trail by seven.

Atletico can now focus on the Champions League semifinals when they travel to Chelsea on Wednesday with their tie poised after a 0-0 draw in the first leg.

Atletico defender Juanfran Torres was shown a direct red card for tackling Pablo Piatti from behind in stoppage time

Ronaldo stunners keep Real in hunt
Real Madrid’s rampant Cristiano Ronaldo looked to be back at his best as he scored at the start of each half to set up a 4-0 victory over lowly Osasuna and put the pressure back on La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

Sergio Ramos and Daniel Carvajal also netted for Real who are second on 82 points, three behind Atletico before their trip to Valencia on Sunday with both teams having played 34 games.

Barcelona, mourning the death of former coach Tito Vilanova on Friday, are now in third place with 81 points from 34 matches and travel to Villarreal on Sunday.

Real did not risk Gareth Bale or Karim Benzema against Osasuna ahead of their Champions league semifinal second leg at Bayern Munich on Tuesday in which they hold a 1-0 advantage.

But there was no holding Ronaldo, who only returned from injury in Wednesday’s first leg against Bayern at the Bernabeu having been out since early April.