Atletico rack up 4-0 win as Espanyol stay top

MADRID, Sept 20 (Reuters) - Atletico Madrid beat Recreativo Huelva 4-0 in the Primera Liga on Saturday having been bouyed by their midweek Champions League win over PSV Eindhoven.

Atletico thrashed PSV 3-0 on Tuesday and were leading after just eight minutes against Recre. Argentina striker Sergio Aguero rose unmarked to head home from a freekick, for his fourth goal in three matches over the last eight days.

Espanyol remained top despite being held to a 1-1 draw at home to Getafe. Sergio Sanchez grabbed a point for the Barcelona side just before the hour mark after Manu had put the visitors ahead two minutes into the second half.

The draw represents the first points Espanyol have dropped this season, but their haul of seven points from three games sees them top the pile overnight Saturday - a point clear of Atletico Madrid.

Atletico were guilty of easing off but Portugal midfielder Maniche doubled their advantage just after the break with a powerful drive from outside the area.

Miguel de las Cuevas set up the third for Florent Sinama Pongolle 12 minutes from time and the French striker bagged his second against his former club on a breakaway at the end.

It was Atletico's third 4-0 win in a row at the Calderon having chalked up the same score against Schalke 04 and Malaga.

Unbeaten Getafe had the better of the first period in Barcelona and took the lead when striker Manu del Moral scored from the penalty spot just after the break.

The goal brought the game to life and, with tackles flying in thick and fast, Espanyol levelled at a freekick soon after.

Defender Sergio Sanchez scrambled a loose ball over the line and both sides had chances to win in a breathless second half.

Espanyol are top with seven points from three games, one ahead of Atletico and two in front of third-placed Getafe.

The bulk of the weekend Primera Liga action takes place on Sunday, including Real Madrid's visit to Racing Santander, Barcelona's clash at Sporting Gijon and the derby match between Real Betis and Sevilla.