Atletico Madrid made it six consecutive wins as Alex Baena’s late goal secured a 1-0 victory over Espanyol in Barcelona.

The result also ended a run of four away head-to-heads without a win for Atleti and keeps them in touch with leaders Barcelona. Espanyol, meanwhile, have now lost three of their past four games.

Fresh from a hard-fought UEFA Champions League victory over Manchester United in midweek, Atletico started strongly and immediately put the hosts under pressure.

Lee Kang-in fired over from only a few yards after Jonathan David had neatly played the ball into his path. David then went close himself, meeting Giuliano Simeone’s pass into the danger area before sending his effort narrowly over the crossbar.

Espanyol gradually settled into the match but struggled to create a clear opening in the final third. Their best chance of the first half came shortly after the half-hour mark when a cleverly worked corner caught Atletico’s defence unprepared, but Bryan Zaragoza’s cross was headed inches wide by Roberto Fernandez.

David was then denied by Angel Fortuno, who reacted well to palm the shot against the right post. At the other end, Leandro Cabrera collected a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area and struck the crossbar as the first half ended without a goal.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone responded to his side’s performance by making two changes at half-time, with Ademola Lookman among those withdrawn.

The opening 15 minutes of the second half were subdued, with both sides appearing short of energy and neither goalkeeper seriously tested. Marcos Llorente finally threatened in the 62nd minute with a long-range effort which beat Fortuno but struck the crossbar.

Fortuno was called into action again when Julian Alvarez unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards. The Espanyol goalkeeper tipped it over, while Morten Hjulmand headed into the side netting from the resulting corner.

Atletico continued to push for the breakthrough, and with Espanyol seemingly on course to hold out for a point, the visitors finally found a way through in the 89th minute.

Alvarez moved infield from the left before picking out Baena outside the penalty area. The Spaniard took one touch and calmly placed the ball into the bottom-left corner to settle the contest.

The victory maintains Atletico’s pursuit of Barcelona at the top of the table, while Espanyol’s latest defeat extends their difficult run.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Cristian Romero (Atletico Madrid)