Atletico Madrid moved into the top seven after a routine 3-1 win over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday afternoon.
It was the home side who began the match the stronger and Falcao might have opened the scoring after 7 minutes, but his effort was pushed wide by David Cobeno.
Rayo enjoyed a spell of possession as the half wore on however and almost took the lead with a thunderous volley from Michu, but his effort whistled over the bar.
Atletico took the lead after 25 minutes when Falcao found Gabi and the midfielder coolly slotted into the top corner.
The home side continued to control proceedings in the second period and almost extended their lead after 50 minutes when Diego found himself unmarked on the edge of the box, but he blasted high and wide.
Falcao made it two for Atletico after 75 minutes with a thumping header before Eduardo Salvio wrapped up all the points with a tidy finish in stoppage time.
Rayo secured a consolation late on via an own goal from Gabi, but it was too little too late.
Atletico Madrid will look to continue their rise up the table against Espanyol next Sunday, while Rayo Vallecano host Sporting Gijon.
Matt Law
