The visit of rock bottom Osasuna was just what the doctor ordered for Atletico sandwiched between two legs of a Champions League quarterfinal.
Diego Simeone had the luxury of resting up the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Saul Niguez and captain Gabi despite the absence of Koke through injury without ever fearing the three points would slip away.
One of the few first team regulars to start made the difference as Yannick Carrasco drilled home a fabulous opener for his first goal since February.
The Belgian then quickly doubled his tally with a bullet header a minute into the second half before Filipe Luis's lovely finish made it 3-0.
It should have been more, but both Carrasco and Thomas Partey saw late penalties brilliantly saved by Salvatore Sirigu.
Positives
Where to start? A much-needed break for the core four of Griezmann, Saul, Koke and Gabi. Added to that Carrasco is back in goalscoring form after a dry spell.
Meanwhile, the Vicente Calderon was again packed to the rafters despite it begin holiday time in the Spanish capital with thousands of youngsters enjoying the club's annual "Dia del Nino" (kids day). And it was all played out under glorious Madrid sunshine.
Negatives
What is it with Atletico and penalties? Six different players have now failed to score from the spot with only five from 13 converted this season.
Carrasco's double and another from the all of a sudden prolific Filipe Luis, also papered over another afternoon when Atletico's strikers other than Griezmann failed to fire.
On kids day there was still no goal for "El Niño" as Fernando Torres remains without a goal since February. Angel Correa's drought is even longer at three months. The absence of Kevin Gameiro through injury in recent weeks has given both plenty of chances to shine, which they have failed to take. Moreover, the fact Gameiro didn't even make it onto the bench suggests he is unlikely to be fit to play a part at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday night.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Simeone went against the grain by heavily rotating his side, but was rewarded with one of Atletico's most comfortable victories of the season. Of those likely to start at Leicester in midweek only Jan Oblak, Juanfran, Diego Godin and Carrasco played the full 90 minutes. Carrasco took on the attacking mantle in Griezmann's absence and Nico Gaitan edged himself back into the side after injury with a timely assist. Meanwhile, Simeone showed his soft touch by handing Tiago and Alessio Cerci a run out as subs.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Jan Oblak, 6 -- Nothing to do, but a seventh clean sheet in nine games isn't to be sniffed at.
DF Juanfran, 7 -- Saved his energy from his usual relentless running up and down the right in the second half, but untroubled defensively.
DF Lucas Hernandez, 7 -- Deputised ably firstly at centre-back and then left-back once Luis went off for a well-earned rest.
DF Diego Godin, 7 -- Coasted through the 90 minutes.
DF Filipe Luis 9 -- Three goals in five games now for the Brazilian after 34 without one to start the season. He also helped tee up Carrasco for the opener in another brilliant display.
MF Nico Gaitan, 7 -- First appearance for nearly a month and enjoyed himself with Atletico on the front foot and dominating possession. Nice cross set up Carrasco's second.
MF Thomas Partey, 7 -- His best performance of the five games he has started this season. Powerful in possession, but lacked the final pass when breaking from midfield. Denied a goal from the spot by a brilliant save.
MF Jose Maria Gimenez, 6 -- Not ever going to make a career out of playing in midfield. However, he did a job for Simeone to give Gabi the day off.
MF Yannick Carrasco, 9 -- Bright performances of late finally rewarded with goals that will give him a confidence boost to end the season as he started it. Just keep him off the penalties.
FW Fernando Torres, 6 -- Worked hard, but if he can't score against Osasuna you have to wonder when he will again.
FW Angel Correa, 6 -- Yet again failed to thrill from the start when by contrast he so often makes a difference from the bench.
Substitutes
DF Stefan Savic, 6 -- Replaced Luis for the final 23 minutes and slotted comfortably in alongside habitual central defensive partner Godin.
MF Tiago, NR -- The 35-year-old crowd favourite made his return after four months out through injury with the game already in the bag in the final 20 minutes
FW Alessio Cerci, NR -- However, Tiago got only the second loudest cheer of the day as Cerci's first Atletico outing since 2014 earned him the role as circus act for the day as he was roared on to the field.