Almeria 0-1 Atletico Madrid

A second-half header by Miranda ended the resistance of a determined Almeria as defending La Liga champions Atletico Madrid narrowed the gap on leaders Barcelona to two points.

Atletico, missing injured striker Mario Mandzukic, broke through on the hour when Miranda headed home a Koke corner.

It was the sixth time out of seven that Atletico have scored from a set-piece this season.

Third-placed Atletico will face second-placed Sevilla on Saturday.