Atlético beat Madrid to keep pace with Barcelona

FC Barcelona and Club Atlético de Madrid remain locked together at the top of the Spanish Liga table after recording victories on Saturday.

Atlético had not beaten Real Madrid CF in the league since 1999, but were in front against their city rivals after just 11 minutes, Diego Costa finishing coolly for his eighth Liga goal of the season, drawing him level with Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring charts. Tiago then headed a fine chance over, before the visitors' goalscorer wasted two more opportunities to add to his tally. Gareth Bale came on at half-time for his home debut but could not prevent a defeat which leaves Carlo Ancelotti's team five points adrift of the pacesetters.

Barcelona's 2-0 victory at UD Almería, meanwhile, came at a cost, with Messi forced off in the first half because of a thigh injury. The Argentina forward, who had put the Azulgrana in front after 21 minutes, will undergo further tests on Sunday. Adriano scored Barcelona's second 11 minutes after the interval.

Valencia CF, meanwhile, are up to sixth thanks to a 1-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano de Madrid, Jonas scoring the only goal after 37 minutes. Sevilla FC drew 1-1 with Real Sociedad de Fútbol in the day's other game.