Watch: Torres' powerful header sees Atletico keep pace with Barcelona

Atletico Madrid has every intention of making Barcelona work for the La Liga crown.

After going even on points at the top of the table in the wake of the Blaugrana's recent three-match losing skid, Atletico ensured Lionel Messi and Co. didn't restore their advantage Wednesday.

Barcelona began the day by annihilating Deportivo, 8-0, at the Riazor, and while it wasn't nearly as emphatic, the Rojiblancos answered the bell with a slender 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao later in the day.

Fernando Torres' thumping header saw Atletico rejoin Barcelona on 79 points, with the latter holding top spot on the head-to-head tiebreaker.