Atletico Madrid stayed on course for their  first Spanish league title in 18 years with a 2-0 win over Elche on Friday, and now turns their attention to receiving Chelsea in the Champions League semifinals.

Defender Miranda scored the winner at Vicente Calderon Stadium in the 72nd minute when he floated his header just inside the upright before Diego Costa added a penalty he had earned in stoppage time for his 27th league goal of the season.

Atletico needed goalkeeper Courtois Thibaut to make successive saves around the half-hour mark, and didn't lose their composure after David Villa had a penalty saved in the 51st.

Atletico provisionally extended their lead over Real Madrid to six points, with Barcelona another point behind.

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