Atletico manager Diego Simeone has named Barcelona as the best team in La Liga so far this season.
Simeone made the comments after Atletico secured a 2-1 victory over city rivals Real Madrid on Sunday.
The result gave Atletico Madrid a major boost while extending Real Madrid’s deficit behind league leaders Barcelona to six points.
Real Madrid were reduced to 10 men early in the second half after Dean Huijsen was sent off. Atletico then took advantage as Alejandro Grimaldo and Jonathan David found the net.
Antonio Rudiger scored a late goal for Real Madrid, but Atletico held on to claim all three points.
Despite celebrating a crucial derby victory, Simeone was quick to highlight Barcelona’s impressive start to the campaign.
The Argentine coach believes Hansi Flick’s side are playing at a different level from their LaLiga rivals.
“It seems Barcelona are playing a different sport from the one we’re playing,” Simeone told ESPN.
He also praised the goalscoring contributions of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal.
“They didn’t have a number 9 striker, then Raphinha showed up and scored 12 goals. And Yamal, if I’m not mistaken, scored seven,” he added.
Simeone was particularly impressed by Barcelona’s aggressive pressing and willingness to take risks.
“They press you in your own stadium and steal your time, and they don’t fear taking risks and conceding a goal,” the Atletico boss said.
“They are the BEST now.”
Barcelona’s strong start has put them at the top of the LaLiga table, while Real Madrid now have ground to make up under Jose Mourinho.
Atletico’s victory, meanwhile, keeps Simeone’s side firmly involved in the title race as the Madrid clubs look to close the gap on Barcelona.
