Saul Niguez scored the 87th-minute winner to give Atletico Madrid a 2-1 win over Villarreal on Monday, moving the team into fourth place in La Liga. Diego Simeone’s side took advantage of Athletic Bilbao’s loss to La Liga leaders Real Madrid on Sunday to move back into the Champions League qualifying spots, even if they departed late. Atletico took the lead after nine minutes when Axel Witsel nodded in, but Alexander Sorloth equalized for the visitors shortly after half-time in an entertaining clash.

Substitute Saul equalized in the closing stages after less than five minutes on the pitch.

Atletico are two points ahead of Atletico with eight games remaining but still seven behind third-placed Girona.

“(Saul) came into the game well and scored a fantastic goal,” Simeone told Movistar.

“I’ve played him a lot because I believe in him and I hope he can bring a lot to us.”

Simeone said his side still need to improve to secure Champions League qualification for next season.

“Atlético has had a very good season, Girona did not give up and we have to improve,” said the coach.

“The pace and intensity of the game is everything and we have to improve in that area.”

Witsel opened the scoring with a header from Rodrigo Riquelme’s corner, twisting to collect the ball at the near post before firing the ball wide.

The 35-year-old Belgian has only scored once for Atletico, against Villarreal in November.

Just five minutes into the second half, Soros leveled Villarreal with a pinpoint low shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Angel Correa’s shot was narrowly off target and Alvaro Morata fired straight at Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, albeit From a wide angle, while Atletico scramble to get back in front.

As the game got underway, Jan Oblak saved a low shot from Jessen Mosquera at the other end.

In the end, Saul fired home from the edge of the penalty area shortly after coming on as a substitute, and although Atletico had to nervously wait for VAR to check for offside, the goal was scored.

Villarreal nearly equalized in stoppage time when Bertrand Traore’s cross evaded everyone and sailed past Oblak’s far post.

Villarreal’s defeat leaves them in 10th place in what has been a mediocre season.

“I’m happy, it’s more about winning than scoring goals, which is important,” Witsel told Movistar.

“(Simone) will wish we did better but he will be very happy with the victory.”

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)