Atletico Madrid started 2016 by going top of the Liga table, but were made to sweat as Levante pushed Diego Simeone’s side all the way - with Ghanaian Thomas Partey’s late strike snatching all three points.

Barcelona’s slip-up earlier in the day against city rivals Espanyol gave the capital club the opportunity to go atop the pile, with Real Madrid set to face Valencia on Sunday. And Atletico didn’t allow the chance to pass them by.

However, the hosts toiled for much of the match - with Antoine Griezmann and Jackson Martinez often struggling for understanding in the final third. It wasn’t until the introduction of Thomas as a second half substitute that Atleti finally made the breakthrough.

The result marked another spirited performance from Simeone’s side, who are looking more and more like genuine title challengers with every passing game. Atletico Madrid now lead the pack, with Barcelona and Real Madrid playing catch up.

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