Jose Manuel Jurado's brilliant late winner earned 10-man Atletico Madrid a narrow victory over mid-table rivals Osasuna.
Atletico looked in danger of yet another disappointing result at the hands of Osasuna when they lost Simao Sabrosa to a red card in the 57th minute.
However, Osasuna, who had taken 10 points out of 12 in their last four meetings with the capital club, failed to make their numerical advantage count and ended up with nothing thanks to Jurado's 79th-minute strike.
Jurado's effort was undoubtedly the highlight of a match short on thrills as he curled a superb 25-yard over Osasuna goalkeeper Ricardo and into the far top corner of the net.
The result helped Atletico climb back up to 10th in the standings, three points clear of 13th-placed Osasuna, while it will also boost their morale ahead of Thursday's Europa League last-16 second leg at Sporting Lisbon.
Atletico coach Quique Sanchez Flores had been expected to leave out Sergio Aguero with that trip to Sporting in mind - where the two teams are locked at 0-0 following the first leg - but he started the Argentinian up front alongside Diego Forlan.
However, neither of Atletico's two star strikers could make any in-roads during a low-key first half, although Forlan did at least test Ricardo with two long-range efforts.
Playmaker Jurado also brought a fine low save out of Ricardo, but it was left-back Antonio Lopez who had the best chance in the first half.
The Atletico captain looked certain to score as he charged in to meet Simao's outswinging corner at the near post, but his glancing header flew wide of the far post.
Osasuna created a couple of scares of their own, and Shojaei Massoud went close with a low effort that home goalkeeper David De Gea deflected for a corner with his legs.
Atletico fans would have been hoping for better in the second half, but the Rojiblancos' chances of picking up three points suffered a major setback in the 56th minute when Simao was sent-off.
The Portugal international, having been booked in the first half, was shown a second yellow for his challenge on Cesar Azpilicueta.
That gave Osasuna a big boost but, like Atletico on Thursday when they failed to break down a Sporting side that had two players sent off, the visitors did not find it easy to make the most of their extra man.
Former Real Madrid youngster Juanfran Torres brought a save out of De Gea, who also produced a brilliant one-handed stop to claw away Krisztian Vadocz's 30-yard drive.
Aside from those efforts though, Osasuna created little to worry the Atletico defence.
Atletico were not causing much danger going forwards either though, and the match looked destined to finish goalless.
However, Jurado's moment of magic 12 minutes from time broke the deadlock and put Atletico on course for the victory.
It needed another superb save from De Gea three minutes from time to ensure the points would be staying in Madrid though, with the teenager parrying away Josetxo's thunderous drive.
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