Diego Simeone was not overly impressed with Real Madrid after the Madrid derby. His Atlético Madrid side secured a point at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. The Argentine believes Barcelona is the best team in Spain.
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Diego Simeone was not overly impressed with Real Madrid after the intense Madrid derby at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu.
His Atlético Madrid side battled hard to secure a valuable point in a 1-1 draw, frustrating their city rivals and once again proving their resilience on the big stage. The result was a testament to Atlético’s ability to compete at the highest level, despite the perception that Real Madrid and Barcelona are the league's primary contenders. While many expected Real Madrid to control the game, Atlético showed defensive discipline, tactical awareness, and a strong mentality to come away with a result.
However, despite the positive outcome for his team, Simeone made it clear that he believes Barcelona is currently the best team in Spain. This statement immediately sparked debate, given that Real Madrid remains a powerhouse and Atlético Madrid itself is still well within the title race. But for the Argentine manager, Barcelona’s overall style of play and squad quality put them ahead of their rivals in the battle for the La Liga crown.
With this draw, Atlético Madrid has now completed their first encounters against both of their biggest rivals. Earlier in the season, they managed an impressive 2-1 victory over Barcelona, showcasing their ability to take down the Catalan giants with a composed and effective performance. Against Real Madrid, they displayed a different kind of strength, standing firm under pressure and securing a hard-earned point away from home. These results reaffirm Atlético’s position as a serious contender, even though much of the media narrative has focused on Real Madrid and Barcelona as the main favorites for the title.
When asked in the post-match press conference whether Atlético Madrid should be considered the third team in the title race behind Real Madrid and Barcelona, Simeone responded in a sharp and confident manner. "Third candidate? As far as I know, we are still in second place," he stated. This was a direct message to anyone who doubts Atlético’s credentials, reinforcing that his team is not just a secondary player in the title race but a legitimate competitor for the championship.
Despite his confidence in Atlético's position, Simeone did not hesitate to reiterate his view that Barcelona is currently the strongest team in the league. "We are in a very good position, but Barcelona is the best team in the league. They play very well with beautiful attacking football, and they have fantastic players," he said. His comments highlight his admiration for Xavi's side, who have been displaying a combination of tactical intelligence and individual brilliance throughout the season.
Simeone also pointed out that the title race is still wide open and could take many twists and turns in the coming weeks. "If they win against Sevilla on Sunday, everything will be very tight," he remarked, acknowledging the unpredictability of the competition. He also emphasized how exciting this situation is for fans and journalists alike. "I think it's great for all journalists that we are competing as a trio," he added, referring to the fact that, for the first time in years, La Liga could witness a genuine three-way title fight instead of the usual two-horse race between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Shortly after Simeone’s press conference, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti also took his turn in front of the media, where he was inevitably asked to respond to the Atlético manager’s claim that Barcelona is the best team in Spain. The Italian remained composed and diplomatic, not allowing himself to be drawn into any debate over which team is superior. "Everyone is entitled to their opinion," Ancelotti said calmly, avoiding any controversy.
Despite Ancelotti's reluctance to engage in a direct comparison, he did acknowledge that the race for the title is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. "It will be very exciting until the end," he said, reinforcing the idea that there is still a long way to go before a clear favorite emerges. However, he also pointed out the difficulties his team has faced throughout the season, particularly in terms of injuries. "We are happy that, despite the difficult circumstances, we are doing very well," he noted.
Real Madrid has indeed had to cope with several key absences due to injuries, which have at times forced Ancelotti to adjust his tactics and rotate his squad more than he would have liked. Despite these challenges, Los Blancos have remained competitive, displaying the resilience and depth that have defined them for years. Their ability to continue securing results under difficult conditions is a testament to their strength as a team and their status as perennial contenders for every major trophy.
As La Liga enters a decisive phase, the three top teams Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atlético Madrid are locked in a thrilling battle for the title. Each match now carries immense weight, with every dropped point potentially proving costly in the race for the championship. Barcelona’s upcoming match against Sevilla will be another key moment in the title race, and depending on the outcome, the standings could become even tighter.
For fans of Spanish football, this season is proving to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With three teams still in contention and each side boasting immense quality, the final stretch of the campaign promises to deliver drama, tension, and unforgettable moments. Whether Simeone's assessment that Barcelona is the best team will ultimately be proven right remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the battle for La Liga is far from over.
Updated: 12:37, 9 Feb 2025
