Atletico Madrid enjoyed a 4-0 romp away to lowly Valladolid on Saturday, in the first match of the 17th round of the Spanish Liga programme, dpa reported.
Jose Manuel Jurado, Diego Forlan, Jose Antonio Reyes and Sergio Aguero all scored for Atletico, as Valladolid's flimsy defence collapsed.
Aguero made a successful return to action after a month out injured, coming on as a late sub and scoring.
"This result is just what we needed," said Forlan, "after what happened on Wednesday."
On Wednesday, Atletico crashed 3-0 away to second division Recreativo Huelva in the King's Cup. The return leg is on Tuesday.
Forlan and company are now 11th in the table. Valladolid are 14th, and facing the same grim relegation struggle as last season, when they had to save themselves on the last day.
Later on Saturday, fifth-placed Sevilla are at home to Racing Santander, then Villarreal take on Almeria.
On Sunday leaders Barcelona are away to lowly Tenerife, whilst second-placed Real Madrid play hosts to fourth-placed Mallorca.