Real, who have five games left, lead the table on 70 points. Second-placed Valencia, with 69 points, have the advantage on head-to-head meetings and can return to the top if they get at least a draw at home to Real Sociedad on Sunday.

Former Atletico midfielder Solari put Real ahead with just five minutes on the clock but Veljko Paunovic equalised with a penalty early in the second half after substitute Demis Nikolaidis was brought down by defender Francisco Pavon.

The centre-back was sent off for his troubles and Atletico looked as though they might make the most of their numerical advantage but it was Real who snatched the victory when Helguera headed in from a corner 13 minutes from time.

"The victory gives us a real confidence boost and a lot of motivation for the forthcoming games," said Real coach Carlos Queiroz, who has been under intense pressure following his side's recent poor run of form.

Real play arch-rivals Barcelona at the Bernabeu Stadium in their next league match.

Earlier, Champions League semi-finalists Deportivo Coruna effectively waved goodbye to their title hopes with a 1-1 draw at home to Valladolid also on Saturday that left them in a distant third place with 61 points.

Fourth-placed Barcelona are a point behind the Galicians, but will move ahead of them if they win their tricky home game against Malaga at the Nou Camp on Sunday.

Both Real and Atletico had to do without their first-choice strikers as they took the pitch at the Calderon, Ronaldo missing out with a thigh injury while Fernando Torres was sidelined because of a suspension.

But Real hardly seemed to miss the Brazilian international as they took an early lead against their rivals.

Luis Figo rode two challenges as he jinked towards the area and slipped a pass out left towards the unmarked Solari, who beat Santiago Aragoneses with a low shot at the near post.

With Real coach Carlos Queiroz pushing centre-back Helguera into midfield alongside David Beckham in preference to his usual partner Guti, the visitors appeared far more aggressive than in recent games and gave Atletico little time on the ball.

But the game changed direction at the start of the second half with the appearance of Atletico substitute Nikolaidis.

The Greek international got ahead of Pavon in his first action of the game and the Real defender pushed him over as he struggled to regain his position.

Paunovic coolly slotted home the spot kick while Pavon trudged towards the changing rooms.

Atletico then took control and had two gilt-edged chances to snatch the winner in the next 20 minutes.

Substitute Jorge was put clear by a sharp through-ball but Real keeper Iker Casillas stood his ground and blocked the midfielder's low shot, while Paunovic hit the post four minutes later.

But it was Real who stole the victory when Helguera headed in from close range after Aragoneses failed to gather a Figo corner as he appeared to be fouled by Raul.

Defeat for Atletico means they lose valuable ground in the race for a UEFA Cup place and remain seventh on 48 points.

Athletic Bilbao took an important step towards booking their place in Europe with a 4-0 win over nine-man Real Zaragoza at San Mames that moved them up one place to fifth on 51 points.