Madrid, April 25 -- Atletico Madrid made sure Barcelona has to wait a little longer to celebrate the Spanish league title.

With a 3-2 win over Valencia on Wednesday, Atletico cut Barcelona's lead to nine points and kept the Catalan club from clinching the title - at least until the weekend.

Barcelona defeated Alaves 2-0 on Tuesday and would have sealed its second straight league trophy - and eighth in 11 seasons - if Atletico lost at home. Now it will have to wait until Saturday, when a win over relegation-threatened Levante at Camp Nou Stadium would be enough.

The Catalan club can also secure its 26th title if Atletico loses its match at Valladolid earlier on Saturday. A draw by Atletico will leave Barcelona needing only a point again...