Girona Take LaLiga Lead Back, Atletico Madrid Go Third

Shock Spanish title challengers Girona returned to the top of La Liga with a 1-0 at Celta Vigo on Sunday. Atletico Madrid climbed third, above struggling champions Barcelona on goal difference, with a comfortable 2-0 win at home against Valencia. Michel Sanchez's Girona moved one point clear of Real Madrid, who beat Las Palmas on Saturday, although the Catalan team have played one more match. Portu finished well in the 20th minute to send Girona ahead in a match they largely dominated but could not make safe by finding a second goal.

Rafa Benitez's Celta sit two points above the relegation zone in 17th place.

Girona, in the top flight for only the fourth season in their history, continue to battle with Spain's giants for La Liga.

"We knew we had to take advantage of the chances we had, in the first half we made a lot of chances to score, they had some too," said Girona winger Portu.

"At this stage of the league the important thing is three points and competing."

Girona players and staff have been reluctant to admit the team is in contention to win the title.

"The main thing for us is that we shouldn't be thinking too far ahead, that would be a mistake," added Portu.

"We know that we are leaving teams behind us to get into the European places, we have to be realistic, and that's our objective."

On a rough pitch at Celta's Balaidos stadium, Girona took the initiative from the start.

"We had a lot of personality to keep the ball in conditions that were difficult to play on," said Girona coach Michel.

"They had chances, as did we, but I think we were fair winners."

Yangel Herrera hammered into the side netting as an early warning and Celta goalkeeper Vicente Guaita kept out an Artem Dovbyk header.

The Ukrainian, La Liga's