MADRID, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Atletico Madrid went to the top of La Liga on Saturday night with a 1-0 win at home to Athletic Bilbao.

Julian Alvarez's second-half goal gave Atletico the win that takes the club above Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, who faces Real Sociedad on Sunday. The striker had just come into the game when he controlled a pass from Marcos Llorente to score.

The visitor was unlucky to not take at least a point from the game, as it had the better chances and saw a header from Benat Prados and two shots from Inaki Williams bounce back off the woodwork.

Earlier in the day Real Madrid missed the chance to go top of the table, if only for 24 hours, when Carlo Ancelotti's side was beaten 2-1 away to Real Betis.

Brahim Diaz put Real Madrid ahead after 10 minutes with a tap-in after Kylian Mbappe set up Ferland Mendy to leave the attacking midfielder with a simple finish.

Betis was level in the 34th minute after Real Madrid failed to defend a corner, allowing him a free header, and Isco won the game for the home side from the penalty spot early in the second half.

Betis winger Jesus Rodriguez looked to be through on goal when he was brought down by Antonio Rudiger, and Isco made no mistake from the spot.

Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla drew 1-1 with Andrei Ratiu putting Rayo ahead 10 minutes into the second half, and Dodi Lukebakio equalizing for the visitor nine minutes from time.

Saturday kicked off with Girona and Celta Vigo sharing four goals, with Viktor Tsyhankov putting Girona ahead in the 21st minute. Goals from Iker Losada and Marcos Alonso put Celta in front, but Yangel Herrera saved a point for Girona with 22 minutes left to play.

Real Valladolid and Las Palmas drew a relegation dogfight 1-1 on Friday night, with Sandro Ramirez putting the visitor ahead and Juanmi Latasa equalizing in the second half for Valladolid.

Las Palmas had to play for over an hour with 10 men after Scott McKenna was sent off in the 29th minute. Enditem

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