Luis Suárez scored early in the second half and Jan Oblak saved a late penalty as leader Atlético Madrid avoided another setback in the Spanish league on Sunday by beating Alavés 1-0.
The win, only its third in the last seven league games, left Atlético six points in front of Real Madrid and seven ahead of Barcelona, which visits fifth-place Real Sociedad later Sunday. Madrid won 3-1 at Celta Vigo on Saturday.
Suárez, who had scored only twice in the last nine matches in all competitions, put Atlético ahead with a diving header in the 54th minute after a cross by Kieran Trippier.
Oblak preserved the victory by diving to his right to make a superb one-hand save in an 86th-minute penalty taken by Joselu.
Diego Simeone’s team held a comfortable Spanish league lead until recently but had been gradually losing ground as Barcelona and Madrid charged to the top.
Atlético was coming off elimination against Chelsea in the round of 16 of the Champions League and had been held 0-0 at Getafe in its previous Spanish league match.
Aláves has lost five of its last six league games. It sits second-to-last in the 20-team standings with 23 points, two from safety.
Atlético next visits fourth-place Sevilla and Barcelona hosts relegation-threatened Valladolid.