BARCELONA — Atletico Madrid's faint hopes of chasing down runaway Liga leader Barcelona suffered a fresh blow Saturday as it was held to a 1-1 draw at home to Girona, meaning it could fall 11 points behind the Catalans by the end of the weekend.

Antoine Griezmann capitalized on a cushioned Diego Costa header to volley Atletico ahead in the 34th minute and score for the first time in five league games, but Liga debutant Girona has caused problems for the top teams all season and hit back.

Visiting striker Portu slid in to beat goalkeeper Jan Oblak in the 73rd minute after Atletico midfielder Koke failed to properly clear the danger in the area and the ball landed at the feet of Bernardo Espinoza who played the ball through.

Atletico was fortunate not to have Oblak sent off late on when the Slovenian rushed out of his area and brought down Kenyan forward Michael Olunga but was only shown a yellow card.

Diego Simeone's second-placed side has 43 points from 20 games but Barca can stretch its advantage if it wins at Real Betis Sunday, while third-placed Valencia could move level with Atletico if it beats Las Palmas away later Saturday.

Sevilla coach Vincenzo Montella earned his first win in La Liga at the third attempt earlier Saturday as his impressive side secured a 3-0 win at Espanyol to go fifth in the standings.

Sevilla lost to Real Betis and Alaves in its first two Liga games under Montella but was lifted by a late fightback that saw it beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in its King's Cup quarterfinal first leg Wednesday.

On Saturday, Montella's side doubled its advantage against Espanyol in the 34th minute with a scorching run through the defense and a top corner finish by midfielder Sarabia.

Espanyol, which defeated city rival Barcelona 1-0 in its King's Cup first leg in midweek, improved after the interval and should have pulled a goal back when Leo Baptistao received the ball unmarked from close range but sent it flying over the bar.

Sevilla's Colombia forward Muriel netted the third goal in the 90th minute with an impressive run past three defenders in the box and a powerful finish.

Sevilla now has 32 points. — Reuters