Atletico Madrid's new-found goal machine Filipe Luis secured a harder than necessary 1-0 victory at home to Real Sociedad on Tuesday night.
Fernando Torres then somehow contrived to hit the post and hit into the side-netting when presented twice with an open goal moments later.
Yannick Carrasco and Angel Correa were also guilty of missing chances, but Atletico comfortably held on to all but seal Champions League football again next season.
Positives
Other than Filipe's sensational form, victory made it five Liga wins in a row for Diego Simeone's men.
Atletico have now surged three points clear of Sevilla in the battle for third when five games ago Sevilla led by nine.
Negatives
Oh, Fernando. Torres was handed a start in Kevin Gameiro's prolonged absence through injury and made a bright start with a lovely reverse ball for Luis' opener.
However, his double miss brought back memories of his shocking miss at Old Trafford while in a Chelsea shirt in 2011.
As ever the Vicente Calderon crowd stood by their idol, but good will can only go so far.
Manager rating out of 10
7 -- Diego Simeone went with his strongest possible side despite the looming tasks of the derby and Leciester's visit to the Calderon next week. Diego Godin and Carrasco returned to the starting lineup from Saturday's win at Malaga and Simeone was even reluctant to use his bench as he made only two subs. Antoine Griezmann was importantly handed a rest for the final 20 minutes and that decision didn't come back to haunt Simeone as Atletico held out for another three points.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Jan Oblak, 6 -- No serious saves to make. Flapped at a couple of early crosses, but his handling improved as the game went on.
DF Juanfran, 7 -- Enjoying his time back as a first-team regular in Sime Vrsaljko's absence and his energy levels show no sign of dipping even at 32.
DF Stefan Savic, 7 -- Well protected by Gabi and Saul Niguez, enjoyed a trouble-free night.
DF Diego Godin, 7 -- A few charges forward would have had Simeone's heart in his mouth, but coasted through the 90 minutes.
DF Filipe Luis 9 -- The Brazilian was a constant ball of energy bursting forward, scoring in addition to doing his defensive duties when called upon.
MF Gabi, 7 -- Struggled to get a grip of the midfield early on, but once he laid the platform the more creative players ahead of him had the chance to shine.
MF Koke, 7 -- Run of goals and assists comes to an end, but adds great balance on the left particularly to cover Filipe when he bombs forward.
MF Saul Niguez, 6 -- Not his best display. Barely noticeable as an attacking threat
MF Yannick Carrasco, 7 -- Excellent in the first 45 minutes bar fluffing his lines when teed up by Griezmann's unselfish cutback.
FW Fernando Torres, 5 -- Gets credit for the assist, but the double miss will live much longer in the memory.
FW Antoine Griezmann, 7 -- Failed to score against his old side, but was a true team player as he often picked out teammates in better positions. Unfortunately for Atletico there is only one Griezmann. Had he been on the end of some of the chances, the margin of victory would have been a lot greater.
Substitutes
FW Angel Correa, 6 -- Replaced Griezmann 18 minutes from time and should have scored 10 minutes later when he somehow blasted wide after doing the hard work. Did help keep Atletico up the right end of the pitch for the final 10 minutes though.
DF Jose Maria Gimenez N/R -- On for Torres in the final 10 minutes as Simeone shored up the midfield.