Forlan opened the scoring following a fine passing move after 14 minutes and although Betis had their chances to equalise, it was the Uruguayan who had the final say two minutes from the end.

That goal was the former Manchester United striker's fifth in four games and leaves Atletico just a point behind Valencia - who lost 3-0 at Espanyol tonight - in the final Champions League qualifying place.

Betis have now lost their last three league fixtures and are just three points above the drop zone.

Espanyol took another giant step towards survival and continued their impressive recent run with a their comprehensive win over in-form Valencia at Montjuic.

Following an evenly-contested first hour, Argentinian midfielder Roman Martinez (66) struck an excellent opener and compatriot Nico Pareja doubled the Catalans' lead with a brilliant free-kick with seven minutes left.

The hosts wrapped up a fine win deep into stoppage time when Nene made it three from the penalty spot. They are now four points clear of the bottom three.

New Getafe coach Michel suffered a losing start as his side tripped up 2-1 at Real Mallorca.

Getafe goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic's blunder in the 68th minute proved decisive as his poor kick could only find Aritz Aduriz who strode in to score the winner.

David Navarro's own goal just after half-time had cancelled out Jose Manuel Jurado's ninth-minute opener.

Defeat means Getafe are only above 18th-placed Sporting Gijon on goal difference.

Sporting would have jumped above them but for conceding a last-minute equaliser to draw 1-1 with Athletic Bilbao.

The hosts thought they had secured a vital win thanks to Mate Bilic's goal on the hour mark but Andoni Iraola snatched a share of the points for Athletic.

Recreativo Huelva moved a point behind Getafe and Sporting after they scored twice in the final 10 minutes to snatch a 2-1 win against fellow strugglers Osasuna.

Recre slumped to the foot of the table following Numancia's shock win over Malaga last night and went behind in the 26th minute when Walter Pandiani was on target.

It was an advantage the home side held until the 81st minute, despite having Sergio Fernandez sent off just after half-time.

Substitute Ersen Martin started the comeback with a cool finish to level the scores, and defender Nasief Morris popped up five minutes into injury time to lash home a brilliant volley at the far post.

Defeat for Osasuna means they are just two points above the bottom three.

Deportivo La Coruna boosted their hopes of a place in next season's Europa League thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 win at home to Valladolid.

Lassad Nouioui's strike after just eight minutes proved enough to win a tense encounter and leave Depor two points off a Europa League place.

Juanma Ortiz struck twice in the opening 12 minutes as Almeria secured a first away win since the opening day of the season 2-0 against Racing Santander.