Adrian came off the bench to fire second-placed Atletico Madrid to a 1-0 La Liga home win over Celta Vigo on Friday and secure a ninth victory in nine matches this season at their Calderon stadium.
Atletico struggled to create chances in their final match of a year in which they won the Europa League and continued their resurgence under coach Diego Simeone.
Adrian finally found a way through Celta's defence in the 77th minute when the Spain under-21 striker sent a snap shot arrowing into the top corner from just outside the area.
Defender Miranda earned a second yellow card for handling the ball and was sent off four minutes from time but Atletico held on to close to within six points of unbeaten leaders Barcelona who play at Real Valladolid.
The victory also stretched their advantage over third-placed Real Madrid to seven points ahead of Real's game at Malaga.
Atletico's tally of 40 points from 17 matches is a club record, overhauling the previous best of 39 set in the 1995-96 season when they last won the title.
They are through to the last 16 of the King's Cup and have a 3-0 lead over Getafe from last week's first leg and will play Russian side Rubin Kazan in the last 32 of the Europa League when the competition resumes in February.
Valencia continued their tentative revival under new coach Ernesto Valverde when captain Roberto Soldado struck in the opening minute to set them on their way to a 4-2 home win over Getafe in the earlier kickoff.
© 2024 Rediff.com -