Celta Vigo 0-2 Atletico Madrid

David Villa scored twice as Atletico Madrid beat Celta Vigo to go top of La Liga.

Following Barcelona's shock defeat at Real Valladolid and with Real Madrid not in action until Sunday, Atletico knew a victory would take them top courtesy of their head-to-head record with Real.

But for the first hour it looked like Atletico, with top scorer Diego Costa absent through suspension, were going to be frustrated.

Raul Garcia hit a shot from the wing 45 yards from goal that bounced over the crossbar, and Villa forced a good save from Yoel down low with Garcia unable to capitalise on the rebound.

Celta Vigo offered little going forward although Charles did force a close-range save from Thibaut Courtois.

And when Atletico's opener came it was from a Celta error.

Jonny Castro's horrible backpass was intercepted by Villa, who charged forward and slammed past Yoel at his near post.

And 90 seconds later the Spain international had doubled their lead. Substitute Jose Sosa, who had only been on the pitch four minutes, squared the ball from the right to Villa, who slammed home past Yose.

Mid-table Celta never looked like mounting a comeback with Alex Lopez's shot straight at Courtois as good as it got.

Real Madrid will return to the top of the table if they avoid defeat in their game in hand against Levante on Sunday.