Arda Turan scored twice as title contenders Atletico beat Rayo Vallecano 4-2 last night.

Rayo made a bold start but the opening goal came when the hosts tried to play the ball out from the back following a goal kick.

Raul Baena came under pressure from David Villa, whose challenge led to the ball falling to Diego Costa in the area, and the Brazilian played it back to his fellow striker who tucked into an open goal.

Rayo were presented with a way back into the game almost immediately when they were awarded a penalty, with Alberto Bueno tripped by Javier Manquillo in the area. But not for the first time this season, Paco Jemez’s side failed to take advantage of a gift, Jonathan Viera’s penalty pushed away by Thibaut Courtois.

Rayo goalkeeper Ruben Martinez made a double save to deny Costa and Jose Sosa, but there was little he could as his team’s high defensive line was punished again.

Villa set Costa free down the right wing and the Brazilian was able to hold the ball up, pulling it back to Sosa, who squared for Turan to tap into an empty net.

Rayo did pull a goal back five minutes before half-time. The danger was created by a cross from Lass Bangoura. It was met by Joaquin Larrivey, who played it back to Roberto Trashorras and then Viera’s shot deflected past Courtois.

Atletico were able to restore their two-goal cushion right before the break. Gabi swung in a free-kick which was inadvertently headed towards the back post by a Rayo defender and Turan was able to guide the ball in from two yards.

The visitors’ fourth goal arrived with 15 minutes remaining, Filipe Luis getting down the left side of the box and cutting the ball back for Costa to slide towards the far corner, but it took a nick off the toe of Saul Niguez on its way in.

Larrivey quickly responded at the other end, flicking on a lofted pass by Viera with his head and into the net.