Atletico Madrid cut the gap on second place Real Madrid to just two points with a 2-1 win over 10-man Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in La Liga, reports AFP. Valencia fell to a damaging 2-1 defeat at Almeria which leaves them in the relegation zone, while nine-man Real Betis lost 2-0 at home against Cadiz, denting their bid for Champions League football. Defenders Nahuel Molina and Mario Hermoso struck first-half goals two minutes apart to put Atletico into a dominant position at Vallecas. Rayo had defender Florian Lejeune sent off in the second half for a professional foul on Alvaro Morata, allowing Atletico to stroll, but Fran Garcia’s powerful drive gave the hosts some hope in the final stages. Atletico held on to keep up the pressure on their rivals,

champions Real Madrid, who lost 3-2 at home against Villarreal on Saturday. Diego Simeone’s side have been in superb form in 2023, unbeaten in their last 12 league games, winning nine of those matches. Rayo, ninth, have failed to earn a victory in their last eight league games. Vedat Muriqi hit a brace, including a