First half goals from Fernando Torres and Tiago saw Spanish champions Atlético Madrid beat local rivals Getafe 2-0 on Saturday to end a run of three successive draws in La Liga.

With a window to close the gap on at least one of Barcelona or Real Madrid owing to Sunday’s El Clasico at the Nou Camp, Atlético knew only a win would suffice against crosstown rivals Getafe.

Torres celebrates his first La Liga goal since returning to Atletico

And it took Diego Simeone’s men just three minutes to take the lead through a powerful header from Torres, starting the game in place of the injured Mario Mandzukic.

The goal was the former Chelsea striker’s first in La Liga for Atlético since he returned to his boyhood club from AC Milan in January.

Another former Chelsea man Tiago then doubled Atlético’s advantage just before half-time, heading in a flick-on from Raul Jimenez off a free kick by Koke; from whose free kick Torres opened scoring.

The win sees Atlético remain in fourth with 59 points, one behind Valencia – that came away from Elche with a 4-0 win on Friday night – and six points behind leaders Barça who host second placed Real Madrid on Sunday.