Rodrigo de Paul boosted Atletico Madrid's Champions League hopes, netting a second half winner as the below-par hosts beat Cadiz 2-1.

Diego Simeone's men established an early lead through Joao Felix, but Alvaro Negredo headed home a fine leveller at the end of a scrappy first half.

Despite the relegation-threatened visitors enjoying the better of the play for long periods, De Paul fired home a second-half winner to send Simeone's men third in LaLiga, with Javi Serrano's late red card not significantly impacting Atleti.

Cadiz gifted their hosts the opening goal just three minutes in when goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma passed straight to Joao Felix, leaving the Portuguese to finish neatly from a tight angle.

7 - @joaofelix70 has been involved in seven goals in his last eight games with @atletienglish in all competitions (five goals, two assists), same as in his previous 37 matches with Colchoneros (four goals, three assists). Streak. pic.twitter.com/KpY2xmfBRg

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) March 11, 2022

Alfonso Espino and Negredo both volleyed narrowly wide as Cadiz looked to respond in a feisty first period, which threatened to boil over when Atletico defender Reinildo threw himself into a two-footed challenge and was shown a straight red card just before half-time.

Referee Pablo Fuertes then contentiously overturned the decision after a rapid VAR review, much to the visitors' fury.

But Cadiz ended the first half on a high, levelling through Negredo's well-placed header after a sublime left-wing cross from captain Espino.

Against the run of play, the hosts re-established their lead 22 minutes from time – De Paul firing home the rebound after Ledesma parried substitute Angel Correa's fierce strike.

Jose Gimenez made a remarkable goal-line clearance from Luis Hernandez soon after and Atletico were then put in a difficult spot when Serrano was dismissed for a forceful challenge just five minutes after coming on, but the hosts clung on for three vital points in their bid for Champions League football.

What does it mean? Atleti finding form when it matters

Atletico's unconvincing victory lifted them above Barcelona into third, ahead of their rivals' LaLiga fixtures this weekend.

That was Atletico's fourth league win on the bounce, one more than they managed in their previous 10 LaLiga outings.

They will lose their crown, but Los Colchoneros are finding their stride at just the right time, even if their performance here left a lot to be desired.

Joao Felix in fine form 

Joao Felix's early opener represented his sixth goal involvement in six LaLiga outings, with the 22-year-old registering four goals and two assists in that run.

His superb recent form has seen him register more goal involvements in those six appearances than he did in his previous 28 in LaLiga, when he recorded just three goals and two assists.

Good Friday for Atleti

Despite the hosts' poor performance, De Paul's goal ensured Atletico maintained their record of not losing any of their six home LaLiga matches on a Friday, having won five and drawn one of those contests.

What's next?

Atletico will now switch their focus to Europe, as they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Tuesday with the tie delicately poised at 1-1. Cadiz, meanwhile, face a home clash with Villareal on Sunday March 20.