Atletico Madrid took a massive step towards the UEFA Cup proper after a convincing home win over Vojvodina. After their labouring past Gloria in the Intertoto, this was the perfect tonic; a proper attacking performance, full of confidence, and one that left the Serbian opposition absolutely stunned. Entirely unable to deal with their opponents' threat, particularly on the flanks and in terms of pace, they caved to a defeat that could have been even heavier.

The home side went 4-4-2, Forlan being, supported by the mazy runs of Sergio Aguero up front, and a "diamond" midfield consisting of Raul Garcia in attack and Maniche manning the barricades. The defence was mainly the same as last year's, but was untested, while the wingers put in no end of effort in the opponents' end. Vojvodina were somewhat more conservative, going 4-4-1-1, presumably in a hope of springing a long counter attack, but they found chances hard to come by as they focused more on stopping the Atleti machine.

And they did so, for almost the entire first half. Despite the trickery of Sergio Aguero, and the threat from the flanks, they kept Atleti at bay. All the while Raul Garcia put in a surprisingly defensive shift in midfield when he wasn't causing trouble up front, with Forlan looking ready to pounce. He did so on 13 minutes after being put through by "Kun" Aguero but the goal was disallowed for offside. 25 minutes later and it was 1-0, Aguero again at the heart of it as he tore through the defence - who had foolishly come forward, abandoning a defensive gameplan - before playing the simple pass to the awaiting Maxi, who shot true over the 'keeper. Half time came and Atletico were in control.

But they needed more goals. Vojvodina were there for the taking but had manned the defence heavily; it was going to take 90 minutes of effort, despite the technical supriority, to kill them off. Thankfully for the long-suffering home fans, it was forthcoming. Milutinovic saw a second yellow just two minutes into the second half - it was to be a somewhat fussy refereeing performance - and, after yet more pressure, Forlan got the second goal. It was somewhat lucky; Atleti had been trying long-range efforts, only to be stymied by their aim or, quite often, the acrobatic saves of Kahriman, but here, one got them a goal. Maniche saw his shot deflected by a defender, but only into the path of the opportunistic Uruguayan, who netted easily. Minutes later it was 3-0, Kun getting a deserved goal with a lovely diving header after a Vojvodina defender spectacularly missed a cross interception.

Atleti can take plenty from this game as they prepare for what should be a formality of the second leg and, of course, the impending league campaign. This team underachieved last year but has been strengthened well, but the acid test of La Liga is still to come, and it remains to be seen if the team can handle it. But if they play as they did here in attack, they will do very well... although that defence could yet be tested, and two of the three goals were somewhat unfortunate for the away defence - a cause for concern.. Vojvodina, for their part, lost their first league game and were soundly beaten again here; there may be no way back for them in Europe but domestically they still have time to improve - and they must.