Atletico Madrid moved three points clear at the top of the LaLiga Santander table after victory over Elche thanks to a brace from Luis Suarez and a penalty from Diego Costa.

It was far from an impressive display from the hosts in the first period, and it took until the 41st minute for them to break the deadlock.

As he so often does, the Uruguayan was in the right place at the right time to dispatch from close range to his team the crucial go-ahead goal.

A far sharper Atletico emerged after the break, and Suarez was on hand just before the hour mark to latch onto a Kieran Tripper assist.

The victory was put into doubt by Lucas Boye just six minutes later, with Atletico's defensive lapse in concentration contributing to the strike.

However, the victory was assured late on as Diego Costa, on as a substitute, won a penalty before picking himself up to take it, and then convert it.

Atletico are now three points ahead of Real Sociedad and with two games in hand.