Atletico Madrid kept their Primera Division title bid going with another 1-0 win but they were made to work hard for the victory by a stubborn Rayo Vallecano side battling for their lives at the other end of the table.

Gareth Bale inspired Real Madrid to come from two goals down to win 3-2 at Rayo Vallecano in a testing workout ahead of the Champions League clash with Manchester City.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has stayed tight-lipped on the subject of his eight-match ban, apart from saying he has “great respect” for the decision-makers in the Spanish game.

Lionel Messi hailed Barcelona’s form after their 5-0 win at Rayo Vallecano.

Helder Postiga left it late to earn Real Zaragoza victory over 10-man Espanyol in the Primera Division.