Simao Sabrosa and Sergio Aguero scored two goals each yesterday to help Atletico Madrid beat nine-man Almeria 6-3 and retain fourth place in the Spanish league.

Antonio Lopez and Diego Forlan also scored for the home team, which took a three-point lead over fifth-placed Racing Santander - defeated 3-1 by visiting Deportivo La Coruna - in the race for a Champions League place next season.

Atletico has 53 points from 31 games, while Santander has 50.

Also yesterday, it was: Murcia 1, Valencia 0; Athletic Bilbao 1, Espanyol 0; Levante 0, Valladolid 3; Zaragoza 0, Real Betis 3; Villarreal 0, Sevilla 2; and FC Barcelona 0, Getafe 0.

Atletico left back Lopez swept home a free kick in the second minute with Forlan doubling the lead four minutes later with a penalty which brought Almeria defender Ruben Pulido's ejection.

Almeria's Felipe Melo reduced the deficit in the 11th, and teammate Juanma Ortiz equalised six minutes later with a long-range shot.

Simao restored Atletico's lead in the 34th from a free kick only for striker Alvaro Negredo to draw the visitors level again in the 37th with a diving header.

Almeria defender Juanito Gutierrez received his second yellow card in the 40th, with Simao capping the eventful first half with his second goal just before half-time.

Aguero headed Atletico's fifth in the 53rd and added a sixth goal in the 70th.

On Saturday, leaders Real Madrid drew 1-1 at Mallorca, while Recreativo Huelva beat Osasuna 1-0.