Fernando Torres proved the matchwinner as Atletico Madrid defeated Villarreal 1-0 last night.

Torres came off the bench to fire an impressive winner in the 73rd minute at El Madrigal, in the process boosting Atleti to within nine points of leaders Barcelona with four games remaining. Second-placed Real Madrid are seven points away.

"You can always give more and we have to demand more from first to last, I can always improve physically," said Torres.

"I want to help the team, seeing the target is closer, we know that for the club it is essential to be in the Champions League."