Luis Suarez 90th-minute winner sealed a 2-1 win over Alaves on Sunday to move back above Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.
Marcos Llorente began the episode to give Atletico the lead at Mendizorroza shortly before half-time with a deflected strike from just outside the area.
Diego Simeone’s side looked to have the game under control when Alaves defender Victor Laguardia was sent off on the hour following a VAR review for bringing down Thomas Lemar as the Frenchman sped towards the goal area.
Florian Lejeune headed against the post for Alaves before a spectacular own goal on 84 minutes from Felipe threatened to cost Atletico two vital points, the Brazilian centre-back drilling beyond Jan Oblak as he attempted to hack clear an attempted cross.
It was Suarez who secured Atletico’s fourth consecutive win in the final minute as the Uruguayan tapped in from close range after the ball was slotted across goal by substitute Joao Felix.
“The best thing is how the team finished, not getting nervous, just playing. And the goal was a great goal,” said Simeone.
Atletico climbed two points clear of Real Madrid and have two games in hand on the defending champions.
“The takeaway from this is to continue on the same path,” added Simeone.