Atletico Madrid are the new La Liga league leaders, the first time any team was able to push Barcelona of the throne since August 19, 2012.

533 days later, a record-breaking 59 games - the longest spell a team consecutively led the Spanish league - has come to an end.

The Catalans were top of the table from day one of the previous campaign and, had also been in first place for the first 21 days of the current season.

The surprising 3-2 home loss to Valencia on Saturday, after 25 consecutive league victories at Nou Camp, awarded both Madrid clubs the chance to overtake the Catalan giants and Atletico did just that.

Diego Simeone’s side took full advantage of Barcelona’s rare slip-up and thrashed Real Sociedad 4-0 on Sunday to take the sole possession of the lead in La Liga for the first time this season.

Atletico now hold a three point advantage over Spanish giants, Barcelona and Real Madrid, after Athletic Bilbao hold the Los Blancos for a 1-1 draw.

It’s the first time since 1996 that the Atleti moved to the summit of the league and they are now in the pole position to win their first title in 18 years.

"This is something nice for the players, who have made such effort and go into every single game with the same intensity and work ethic," Atletico coach, Diego Simeone, said after the game.

Atletico Madrid honoured former player and coach, Luis Aragones, before the match and fed off the emotion at the Vincent Calderon.

Aragones, who ended Spain’s 44-year wait for a major international trophy by winning the EURO 2008, passed away on Saturday and Simeone said the team honoured the victory to one of their country’s greatest sportsmen.

"Luis (Aragones) would appreciate the team's courage, since he was a courageous type with character, just like this team," Simeone added.

Can Atleticos stay on top and end La Liga’s domination of Barcelona and Real Madrid? Have your say in the comment section below.