MADRID, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Atletico Madrid put last week's Cup humiliation away to Recreativo Huelva in the past to return to form with a stunning 4-0 win away to Valladolid on Saturday.

    Atletico coach Quique Sanchez Flores had criticized his players following a 3-0 defeat against Recreativo and his players responded with their best display of the season.

    Quique kept striker Diego Forlan in his side after hinting the out-of-form Uruguayan could be dropped and was rewarded with Forlan scoring Atletico's second goal after 32 minutes.

    Forlan kept his calm before rounding Valladolid keeper Justo Villar and slotting the ball into the empty net.

    Atletico had taken the lead after 17 minutes when midfielder Jose Jurado finished off a neat move with a left foot finish from inside the Valladolid penalty area.

    The game was played in freezing cold conditions due to the icy weather enveloping north and central Spain, but Valladolid had no excuses for a poor display.

    With Atletico gaining in confidence and looking more solid in defense thanks to the performance of young central defender Alvaro Dominguez, Valladolid never looked like getting back into the match.

    Jose Antonio Reyes scored Atletico's third of the match just before the hour match to put the game beyond reach of the home team.

    Perhaps the best news of the afternoon came just before the final whistle. Argentinean forward Kun Aguero returned to action after struggling with a groin injury for the last two months.

    Kun then scored his side's fourth and final goal with his last touch after controlling and shooting with his left foot.

    Atletico will need him to be at his best as they look to overturn that Cup defeat next week, but Quique's players will now receive Recreativo with their morale greatly improved.