The two goals either side of the break made it an unhappy return to the Vicente Calderon stadium for former Atletico coach Gregorio Manzano as Malaga found themselves run ragged.

With reigning champions Valencia not in action until Monday and perennial challengers Real Madrid and Barcelona playing on Sunday the spotlight fell firmly on Atletico, who are desperate to bag what limelight they can from their city rivals, and they did not disappoint their red and white-clad supporters.

The day's only two other games ended in stalemate as Numancia and Real Betis parted 1-1 with Juanlu firing the hosts ahead only for former Real Madrid junior Fernando to level on the stroke of half-time.

Espanyol likewise had to settle for a point as their top scorer last season, Raul Tamudo, put them ahead from the spot in the first half only for Uruguayan hotshot Walter Pandiani to cancel his effort to rescue Deportivo La Coruna, third last season, in the late match.