Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has identified Barcelona as the leading side in LaLiga this season, following his team’s 2-1 derby triumph over Real Madrid on Sunday.
Atletico took advantage of Real Madrid’s numerical disadvantage to secure all three points, leaving Jose Mourinho’s men six points behind Barcelona at the top of the table.
Dean Huijsen was dismissed shortly after the restart, paving the way for Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David to find the net for Atletico. Antonio Rudiger later pulled one back for Real Madrid, but it was not enough to prevent defeat.
Simeone told ESPN, “It seems Barcelona are playing a different sport from the one we’re playing.
“They didn’t have a number 9 striker, then Raphinha showed up and scored 12 goals. And Yamal, if I’m not mistaken, scored 7.
“They press you in your own stadium and steal your time, and they don’t fear taking risks and conceding a goal. They are the best now.”
