Atletico Madrid have held on to beat Espanyol at the Vincente Calderon 1-0 and close the gap to league leaders Barcelona.

© Getty Images

Antoine Griezmann struck within the first three minutes after he flicked Oliver Torres's pass beyond Pau Sabata and into the bottom corner for his sixth goal of the season.

Midfielder Tiago Mendes was then stretchered off midway through the first half after he collided with Espanyol's Marco Asensio.

Juanfran found himself in the box just before the break but his shot was straight at Sabata as the referee blew for half time.

Griezmann had an excellent chance to double the home side's lead as the ball deflected into the Frenchman's path but he was denied by Sabata before the deflection was blazed over by Luciano Vietto.

© Getty Images

Torres was awarded space by the Espanyol defence and the midfielder took aim from outside the box but his effort was matched by Sabata in goal.

Diego Godin hit the post from a Yannick Ferreira Carrasco cross before the two combined again moments later, only for the Uruguayan to nod the ball wide.

Carrasco produced some more good play on the wing before he cut the ball back to Koke, but his strike hit the outside of the post and went out of play.

© Getty Images

Teye Thomas had his long-range curling effort well saved by Sabata in the final few minutes as Atletico strode to a comfortable victory.

The win moves Atletico to just four points behind leaders Barcelona in the La Liga table, while Espanyol remain 11th.