Atletico Madrid refused to flinch in the Spanish title race as Raul Garcia’s header earned a 1-0 win at Valencia that kept them in the driving seat but Barcelona stayed in the hunt with an emotional victory last night.

Garcia struck just before half-time yesterday to give Atletico the victory that took them to a club record 88 points, four ahead of Barca and six above third-placed Real Madrid who beat Osasuna on Saturday and still have a game in hand on their city rivals.

Barcelona, in mourning following the death of former coach Tito Vilanova last Friday, came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Villarreal and move to 84 points with three games left.

Lionel Messi hit the winner in a dramatic finale.

Primera Liga
R. Betis vs R. Sociedad 0-1; Espanyol vs Almeria 1-2; Valencia vs Atl. Madrid 0-1; A. Bilbao vs Sevilla 3-1; Villarreal vs Barcelona 2-3. Today (22.00 Celta Vigo vs Valladolid

Leading standings: Atl. Madrid 88; Barcelona 84; R. Madrid 82; Ath. Bilbao 65; Sevilla 59; R. Sociedad 57.

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