Simeone ‘proud’ despite Atletico's defeat at doomed Levante

Atletico are out of the title race as a result of the 2-1 reverse against already-relegated Les Granotes, and Cholo told post-match reporters that the result is part of the game.

“I don’t think we lacked the urge to go for a second goal. We started well but had no continuity, and Levante played well and they had continuity. They defended well, didn’t let us combine beyond chances for Antoine Griezmann and Stefan Savic,” Simeone argued, AS reports.

“Levante have a lot of nobility. They’re down and they’ve fought to the end. This is the greatness of football, that a team comes from playing the Champions League semi-final and loses.

“[The semi-final] is no excuse. We’re finishing a fantastic, huge season and we’re one game from competing with Real Madrid and Barcelona. That’s what makes me happy because we were 10 behind. We lacked a little bit, obviously. I have the pain of not being involved on the last day, but I’m filled with joy to have been fighting until the penultimate round.

“I told the players I’m proud of what we’ve done, there’s nothing better than the reality of the moment to take strength. Now it’s necessary to finish second, if not, then third. Do I have a preference for who wins the title? No.”