Atletico Madrid are just two points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona after they edged out Espanyol 1-0 at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat.
Koke and Raul Garcia missed early chances for the visitors but they took the lead on 30 minutes when Garcia headed in Juanfran's inviting cross.
The midfielder almost grabbed his second of the match towards the end of the half, only to cap a Madrid counter attack by firing wide.
Espanyol were largely toothless in attack and rarely threatened after the half-time whistle.
Instead, Atletico pushed for a second and were unlucky not to add to their tally through Diego Costa and Cristian Rodriguez.
However, they settled for a win that has maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign.
