Diego Simeone’s side are better known for their aerial threat at set-plays but they showed versatility to work a short corner to centre back Gimenez on the edge of the area and he lashed into the net after 15 minutes.
It was a solid display from Atletico, whose La Liga match last weekend against Deportivo La Coruna was overshadowed by the death of a fan in apparently organised fighting near their Calderon stadium.
Mario Mandzukic finished clinically eight minutes into the second half to seal a victory that sees them leapfrog Barcelona, who take on city rivals Espanyol on Sunday.
“The team played very well and it was a solid performance,” Simeone told a news conference.
“They knew where to cause damage and the set-play for the goal was done very well. In the second half we maintained our level and that may seem easy afterwards but it wasn’t.”
Leaders Real Madrid aim for a record-equaling 18th straight win in all competitions later on Saturday against Celta Vigo that would put them on 36 points from 14 games.
(Editing by Toby Davis)
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