Atletico Madrid 6-0 Deportivo La Coruna: Five-star Falcao shines against Galicians

Atletico Madrid recovered from two consecutive league defeats to demolish Deportivo La Coruna 6-0 on Sunday.

However, their cause was greatly helped by the exploits of Radamel Falcao, who struck five times at the Vicente Calderon to become only the second player to score as many goals in a Spanish top-flight match this century.

Yet it was Diego Costa who broke the deadlock on the night. The Brazilian striker made amends for his midweek red card in the Europa League by heading in Koke's corner on 13 minutes.

The midfielder was on the assist trail again 15 minutes later when he sent Falcao through on goal, and the former Porto ace doubled Atleti's lead with a cool finish.

On the stroke of half-time, Falcao made it 3-0 to the hosts, turning in a throw-in to put his team firmly in the driving seat with the second-half still to play.

It only went from bad to worse for Depor after the restart, as Roderick's mistake in the box allowed Falcao to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Three minutes later Falcao was at again, this time finding himself in the right place at the right time to sweep home a rebound, and he netted his fifth and final goal soon after with a fine solo effort.

The Colombia international's five-goal haul sees Atletico consolidate second place, five points clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid.