The Primera Division title race took another twist on Saturday as Atlético Madrid suffered a shock defeat away to struggling Almería – which cost them top spot after rivals Real Madrid put four past Villarreal to go top on goal difference.

José Antonio Verza curled in a stunning goal – surely meant as a cross – 10 minutes from time after Almería's stubborn defensive display had driven Atlético to distraction on a night of pure frustration. Atlético managed just one shot on target during the whole 95 minutes, from a free-kick which was easily saved by Andrés Suárez.

Things got worse five minutes later for Atlético when goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia – perhaps at fault for the opener – blundered in a big way, fluffing a back-pass and then fouling Jonathan Zongo to concede a penalty, and seeing red. The penalty was gleefully converted by Verza who fired into the top-hand corner of the net.

Atlético ended the night in second place in the overall standings – if only on goal difference following a big win for Real Madrid – but victory for Barcelona at Sevilla on Sunday would send Gerardo Martino's men back to the top of the league.

Under that scenario, all three title challengers would be on 57 points after Real dispatched Villarreal 4-2.