Rodrigo De Paul Stunner Fires Atletico Madrid Past Celta Vigo Towards Top Four Finish

Rodrigo De Paul's superb volley earned Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo on Sunday to virtually guarantee Champions League football next season. Diego Simeone's side, fourth, move eight points clear of fifth-place Athletic Bilbao with just three games remaining. After the Copa del Rey winners drew against Osasuna on Saturday, Atletico left it late but were able to take advantage to move further clear. De Paul struck after 84 minutes to delight fans at the Metropolitano stadium just as it seemed all the hosts' pressure would come to nothing.

"When I'm on the edge of the box I've got confidence and I know I have to finish the move so there's no counter-attack, I knew I'd hit it if it fell to me," De Paul told DAZN.

Atletico have won 16 of 18 home matches in La Liga this season, while Simeone recorded his 400th win as coach, across all competitions.

"I'm not analysing it, I'm looking forward as I have always sought to do," said Simeone.

"I know what I want, what I'm looking for and I am convinced of where the path is and I will continue pushing until the last day I am here."

Even though they are set to finish in the top four, Atletico's season is tainted by disappointment.

They reached the Copa del Rey semi-finals, where they were ousted by Athletic, and came up short against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals.

"We have generated those expectations and they are welcome," said Simeone.

Atletico dominated from the start against Celta but found it hard to beat former Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

The Spaniard saved well from Angel Correa and Rodrigo Riquelme in the early stages and then stopped Marcos Llorente's tame effort before half-time.

Atletico's Jan Oblak did well to deny Iago