Kévin Gameiro and Yannick Carrasco scored two goals apiece against Málaga to fire Atlético Madrid to keep the pressure on their rivals Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.

The Belgian winger Carrasco put Diego Simeone’s side in front after just seven minutes before Gameiro made it 2-0 on 24 minutes.

Sandro scored a stunning free-kick for Málaga to halve the deficit before Gameiro made it 3-1 before the break after an excellent touch by Antoine Griezmann.

Málaga responded strongly in the second half and Ignacio Camacho pulled another goal back for the visitors just before Atletico’s Stefan Savic was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

But Carrasco sealed the points for Atlético four minutes from time following a brilliant solo run and finish. Málaga’s fate was then sealed when Gonzalo Castro was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.