Fernando Torres' first goal in the Spanish league this season gave Atletico Madrid a hard-fought 1-0 win over Alaves on Saturday and lifted the club into second place behind Barcelona.
Torres broke the deadlock five minutes after going on in the 69th with Atletico's attack stifled by Alaves' well-positioned defense.
Diego Simeone's team took advantage of Valencia's 2-1 loss at Eibar as Atletico moved two points ahead of its title rival. Barcelona is three points ahead of Atletico before hosting Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday.
"We didn't have many chances to win the match, but were always in charge. The entry of (Angel) Correa, (Yannick) Carrasco and, especially, Torres gave us that extra bit that we needed to get the win," Simeone said.
"There is still a long way to go in the league. We only look toward our next game and keep trying to improve."
Torres, a former Liverpool and Chelsea striker, made his run forward in sync with Sime Vrsaljko's cross from the right flank before sliding to redirect the ball home with his left foot, reports the Associated Press.
At 33 years old, Torres has had to settle for a role as a reserve player behind regular starters Antoine Griezmann and Kevin Gameiro. His goal was his first in any competition this campaign other than the brace he scored against Elche in the Copa del Rey.
Torres' goal comes just before the arrival of even more competition in Atletico's attack.
Diego Costa and Victor "Vitolo" Machin will join the club in January when its ban on incorporating new players expires.
"I am happy for the goal that came after working so that the coach would play me," Torres said. "Now I just have to keep at it to get more minutes."
Despite its failure to reach the knockout rounds of the Champions League, Atletico is as sound as ever in the domestic competition where it is unbeaten through 16 rounds and has won four in a row.
Atletico's unbeaten streak in La Liga stretches back 20 matches to last season since its loss at Villarreal on April 25.