Atletico edge Rayo to keep the pressure on Barca

Atletico Madrid substitute Antoine Griezmann fired them to a 1-0 home win over struggling Rayo Vallecano to also keep the pressure on title favourites Barcelona in La LIga.

Atletico are now provisionally top on 85 points, one ahead of Real in second and three in front of Barca, who visit Real Betis later on Saturday.

Real Madrid's Gareth Bale again came to rescue by heading the winner in a 1-0 success at Real Sociedad on Saturday that kept their title hopes alive.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone made seven changes to the team that beat Bayern Munich 1-0 on Wednesday to edge closer to the Champions League final, with only keeper Jan Oblak, Jose Gimenez, Gabi and Juanfran keeping their places.

Simeone was serving the first of a three-game touchline ban and watched his side struggle to break down Rayo.

The hosts created only one clear chance before the break, a low shot from Angel Correa that was superbly tipped away by Rayo goalkeeper Juan Carlos.

Atletico's top scorer Griezmann was brought on along with Fernando Torres in the 54th minute and needed less than 60 seconds to have an impact.

The France striker pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the area and, with his next touch, smashed it high into the net past Juan Carlos, his first goal in five games in all competitions.

Torres squandered a chance to seal the win and Rayo nearly punished Atletico, who were relieved to see striker Javi Guerra head over the bar after appearing unmarked in the box.