MADRID, Spain (AFP) — Atletico Madrid yesterday moved onto the verges of the European places with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Real Sociedad who have now lost five games on the trot.

After an inconsistent campaign Atletico are still in the fight for a place in the Europa League and have hit form at the right time.

Back-to-back wins mean that Atletico are level with sixth-placed Athletic Bilbao who lost to Real Madrid 3-0 and a point behind Sevilla who drew 2-2 with Mallorca.

Atletico were in charge against Sociedad from the start with a deft back-heel from Diego Costa setting up Felipe Luis to put them ahead and then shortly before half time Mario Suarez added another after good work from Jose Antonio Reyes.

Sociedad, now just five points above the relegation zone, are going through their worst run of the season and conceded a further goal from Sergio Aguero.

Espanyol’s poor form continued with a disappointing 0-0 draw away to Hercules. They have struggled badly since Christmas and had lost eight of the last ten games going into the match.

Hercules’ Royston Drenthe carried the greatest threat and went closest to scoring with a header which came back off the crossbar.

Second-from-bottom Malaga remain behind Hercules on goal difference as they also drew 0-0 against Deportivo la Coruna.

It was a result that suited the Galicians, who are also in relegation trouble, particularly after defender Laure Sanabria was sent-off.

Sporting Gijon followed up their win over Real Madrid last weekend with a 1-0 victory against Osasuna thanks to a David Barral strike while Racing Santander drew 1-1 with Levante.

The visitors were heading for defeat following a Nano Rivas own goal but were rescued by Rafa Jorda in the dying minutes.

The fight for third place is between Valencia and Villarreal who are comfortably clear of the sides below them and they were scheduled to go head-to-head in a late match yesterday.

On Saturday, Barcelona took a further step towards the title after coming from behind to beat Almeria 3-1 and maintain their eight-point lead at the top of the table.

Next weekend they play Real Madrid but even if Barcelona were to lose at the Bernabeu, it would still be difficult for them to be caught.

After a slow start Miguel Corona scored on the breakaway for Almeria but the goal brought Barcelona belatedly to life.

Messi equalised with a penalty then Thiago Alcantara headed home a corner and in stoppage time Messi struck again to give a convincing win in the end.

Meanwhile, a Kaka brace from the penalty spot helped Real to victory over Athletic with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the third.