Atletico Madrid are in pole position to continue their fine home record after scoring twice in the first half against Deportivo La Coruna.
Gabi and Juanfran wasted early openings for Atletico before Diego Costa gave the home side the lead on 23 minutes.
Costa rose highest in a crowded penalty area to give Diego Simeone's side a deserved advantage.
Deportivo responded well and could have equalised through Juan Carlos Valeron, who struck the post on the half hour.
In-form striker Radamel Falcao quickly punished the visitors with a fine finish after Gabi's incisive through-ball.
The Colombian hitman doubles his tally just before the break, cutting inside on the edge of the area before curling a thumping strike into the corner.
