Barcelona: Atletico Madrid needed a second-half goal from midfielder Jorge "Koke" Resurreccion to eke out a 1-0 win at Malaga on Saturday, becoming the overnight leader of the Spanish league as it resumed following the winter break.
Atletico built a provisional three-point advantage over Barcelona before the defending champion host Elche on Sunday. Barcelona then visit Atletico in the following round.
Atletico dominated possession but were held in check until coach Diego Simeone sent on forwards Adrian Lopez and Cristian Rodriguez to join Diego Costa and David Villa up front for the final half hour.
Diego Costa failed to add to his league-leading 19 goals, but the striker turned playmaker to unlock the hosts' stingy defense in the 70th.
Diego Costa slipped the ball to Adrian, whose rebound off goalkeeper Willy Caballero fell for Koke arriving late to rifle through the crowded area and into the back of the net to claim the winner.
Atletico moved eight points clear of third-place Real Madrid before it hosts Celta Vigo on Monday. Atletico continued to base their title challenge on Spain's best defense, which again left their opponent without a clear scoring opportunity. They have conceded a competition-low 11 goals through 18 games.
The loss was the first in four rounds for Bernd Schuster's Malaga, leaving it in the middle of the standings. Later, Valencia's new coach, Juan Antonio Pizzi, debuted in a home game against crosstown rival Levante, Granada visited Almeria, and Real Betis was at Valladolid.
Also on Sunday, it's: Real Sociedad vs Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla vs Getafe, and Osasuna vs Espanyol. Villarreal plays at Rayo Vallecano also on Monday.
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