Goals from Diego Godin and Antoine Griezmann maintained Atletico Madrid's title bid as they sank lowly Granada 2-0.
Godin struck with his first goal of the season after 20 minutes and Griezmann wrapped up the win late on as Atletico climbed back above city rivals Madrid, who beat Getafe in the early kick-off, into second place.
However, it was another frustrating evening for Fernando Torres, who is still looking for his 100th Atletico goal but has now not scored for 13 matches.
Torres had an early shot blocked, with the rebound falling to Koke on the edge of the area, but his low drive was straight at Granada keeper Andres Fernandez.
But Uruguay defender Godin made the breakthrough shortly after, having been left totally unmarked to nod in Koke's corner at the near post.
Torres was denied again when Yannick Carrasco's low cross was cleared at full-stretch by David Lomban to prevent the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker claiming a tap-in at the far post.
Filipe Luis should have doubled Atletico's lead three minutes into the second half after a slick one-two on the touchline with Koke.
Carrasco fed Luis, who had continued his run into the area, but the full-back snatched at his shot and lifted it over the crossbar.
Godin and Torres then got in each other's way as both went up to meet Carrasco's corner and another chance went begging.
Success Isaac forced a rare save out of Atletico keeper Jan Oblak with a fierce, swerving angled drive following a powerful run into the area.
Torres had another opportunity to bring up his century when he skipped past Lomban in the box and attempted to curl the ball around Fernandez, but the home keeper tipped his effort around the post.
Instead Atletico's decisive second goal came from Griezmann in the 76th minute, the forward latching onto substitute Oliver's ball and blasting high into the net from a tight angle.