Last updated on .From the section European Football

Atletico Madrid lead La Liga outright for the first time since their double-winning season in 1995-96 after an impressive win over Real Sociedad.

The club paid a fitting tribute to former player and coach Luis Aragones, who died on Saturday, with an outstanding display.

David Villa opened the scoring as he swept home Diego Costa's low cross.

Costa fired in the second and Miranda made it 3-0 with a header before Diego Ribas's thumping finish late on.

Barcelona's shock home defeat by Valencia on Saturday, coupled with Real Madrid's draw at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, means Diego Simeone's side hold a three-point advantage over both Barca and Real.

"Real Sociedad made it difficult without creating great chances," said Argentine Simeone, whose side scored three of their goals in the final 20 minutes.

"Defending didn't worry me, but the problem is when you don't attack and it was difficult for us to get out in the second half."