���˿���

Atletico Madrid's grip of the lead at the top of La Liga loosened after a surprise home defeat by Levante.

Their second meeting against the Valencian side in a week was decided by Jose Luis Morales' 30th-minute deflected strike and Jorge de Frutos' stoppage-time effort.

Atletico, who created 28 efforts on goal, were thwarted by goalkeeper Dani Cardenas on several occasions.

Real Madrid later closed the gap to three points with a win at Valladolid.

Third place Barcelona, nine points adrift of Atletico, play Cadiz on Sunday at 13:00 GMT.

Levante's 23-year-old keeper was in superb form, notably stopping Joao Felix's strike from point-blank range before blocking a thumping half-volley from the Portuguese forward. He also scrambled across his goal to keep out a late low drive from Renan Lodi.

When Cardenas was beaten the post saved him, with Luis Suarez's brilliant 30-yard free-kick thundering off the woodwork.

Levante were a threat during counter-attacks, especially in the first-half. Morales had missed a golden chance before he converted his second with a low strike that came off the leg of defender Felipe.

With seconds remaining, Levante scored their second. Atletico keeper Jan Oblak joined his team-mates for a corner, but was stranded when the visitors broke away with De Frutos finding the empty goal with a superb finish.

This was Levante's first win at Atletico in the league, and it was also the first home league defeat for Diego Simeone's side since December 2019.