Atletico Madrid saw their eight-match unbeaten away run come to an emphatic end as they were thrashed 3-0 by struggling Rayo Vallecano, who claimed their first head-to-head win since February 2013.

Still reeling from a 2-1 LaLiga defeat to Real Madrid two weeks ago, Diego Simeone’s side arrived as clear favourites but were handed another sobering setback.

Atletico nearly fell behind in the opening stages when Nobel Mendy diverted Nicolas Gonzalez’s cross onto his own crossbar, a warning sign of what was to come. The match was played at Estadio Municipal de Butarque — home of CD Leganes — due to the poor condition of Rayo’s pitch at Vallecas. The unfamiliar setting initially disrupted the hosts, and Alex Baena almost punished them with a long-range effort that flew inches over.

However, Rayo grew into the contest and struck five minutes before halftime. Andrei Ratiu’s driven cross fell kindly to Fran Perez, who calmly slotted into an unguarded net.

A below-strength Atletico looked stunned, and their problems deepened before the break. Isi Palazon’s powerful effort from the edge of the area forced Jan Oblak into a superb one-handed save, but the rebound dropped straight to Oscar Valentin, who tapped in from close range to double the advantage.

With little improvement after halftime, a frustrated Simeone turned to all five substitutes early in the second half, yet Atletico continued to lack cutting edge. Nicolas Gonzalez produced their best effort after surging into the box and testing Augusto Batalla, but the Rayo goalkeeper comfortably denied the low drive.

Rayo then compounded Atletico’s humiliation with just under 15 minutes remaining. Alvaro Garcia Rivera delivered a teasing cross to the far post, where Mendy powered home a header to make it 3-0.

There were few positives for Atletico, whose grip on a top-four spot now appears far less secure. For Rayo, by contrast, it was a vital victory that lifts them out of the relegation zone and breathes new life into their survival hopes.