Atletico Madrid have defeated Espanyol 1-0 at Vicente Calderon to close the gap on leaders Real Madrid back to three points in La Liga.

Real's narrow victory over Malaga earlier in the day ensured they held a six-point lead over their city rivals, but Diego Costa's first-half strike has reduced the deficit once more.

The first chance of the contest fell to Atletico striker David Villa, who got on the end of a Gabi free kick, but he failed to beat Kiko Casilla in the Espanyol goal.

Gabi had a chance of his own shortly after when he met a loose ball in the opposition area, but his volley flew high and wide of the target.

It was not all the home side's way, however, as Sergio Garcia turned inside the box before getting an effort in at goal which had to be kept out by Thibaut Courtois to keep the score level.

The Rojiblancos took the lead with 56 minutes on the clock through Costa, who drove into the opposition area following a pass from Villa, before rolling the ball into the bottom corner.

Costa had the opportunity to double his side's tally when he burst past three defenders before rounding Casilla, but he took the ball too wide and could not hit the target.

With the scoreline still delicately poised at 1-0, Espanyol remained in the contest, and Christian Stuani reminded the home side exactly that after 72 minutes when he nearly converted at the back post, only for Costa to clear the danger.

Courtois was called into action once more to deny David Lopez, whose low effort was heading for the back of the net before the Chelsea loanee pushed it away.