Atlético Madrid squeezed past a much-improved Valencia side in the early kick-off at the Metropolitano on Saturday afternoon. Goals from two players who were to take backseat roles at the club at the start of the season, Koke and Antoine Griezmann, ensured a 2-1 win for the hosts.

Villarreal was eliminated by second-division club Racing Santander in the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, while Atletico Madrid earned a hard-fought win over fourth-tier team Atletico Baleares.

The local team, Atlético Baleares, has captured attention with its impressive upset over Espanyol in the previous round. This victory serves as a testament to their determination and capability, making them a formidable opponent despite their lower league status.

Atlético de Madrid were not rolling all on cylinders when Valencia came to town for a Saturday afternoon showdown at the Metropolitano. But thanks to the efforts of two long-serving record-holders, a fatigued Atlético emerged victorious from a tougher-than-expected test against the relegation-threatened visitors.

Antoine Griezmann's second-half strike helped Atletico Madrid return to winning ways in LaLiga with a 2-1 victory over Valencia. After successive defeats to Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona, Diego Simeone's side registered a first win in three matches to close the gap to Barcelona to six points.

Julian Alvarez and Atletico Madrid will look to close the gap on Real Madrid and Barcelona in LaLiga when they face Valencia on Saturday.