Fernando Torres rolled back the years in Atletico’s 1-0 win at Villarreal ensuring them quite a strong chance of retaining their title and strengthening their Champions League spot.

Diego’s men are now unbeaten in 11 games while Villarreal remains at the sixth place despite failing to win any of their last eight matches.

The game was played at a frantic pace in the first half, with both teams spurring plenty of chances to go ahead.

Within 60 seconds Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak went sprawling to deny Joel Campbell, and Joao Miranda had to think fast to take the ball off the Costa Rican’s feet as he came sniffing a few minutes later.

Atleti responded, Antoine Griezmann threatening to clip the ball between Villarreal keeper Sergio Asenjo and the near post but missing the mark.

Ada Turan also shot wide after making a typical high intensity run.

Half-time provided some welcome respite for both sides.

Tomas Pina took aim from the edge of the box when the play resumed, narrowly shooting wide with his left boot and substitute Saul Niguez soon fired back for Madrid, his attempt off the same foot fizzing past the target.

But it was Fernando Torres’ night as he pressed Villarreal out of possession before skipping past two defenders and Asenjo with a cold-blooded finish.

The host keeper did deny Atletico a quick-fire second goal when Griezmann let loose with a powerful drive on the run, but the capital club had done its part to win this battle.

Edited By : Akanksha Agarwal