'I admire them' - Simeone sings praises of 'excellent' Real Madrid

Atleti have left the biggest competitors far behind early in the title race, but their boss reminds that the campaign is still young.

A number of undesired results have left Real Madrid in an unfavorable position in the battle for the 2020/21 La Liga title.

The defending champions started the campaign on a sour note as they were held to a goalless draw against Real Sociedad in the opening matchday.

Shock surrenders to Cadiz, Valencia, and Alaves means Los Blancos have already been defeated as many times in the opening 10 matches this season as they were in the entire last season.

Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, have been smart enough to take advantage of the failures of their bitter rivals as well as of FC Barcelona, who sit at ninth as a result of their horrendous form this season.

Diego Simeone’s men hold the top position on the table with 26 points despite playing fewer matches than the other two.

Simeone, however, is backing Real Madrid to pick up pace soon and start challenging his side.

“I don’t consider it to be the end [of the title race] with so many matchdays to go,” Simeone said after Atleti reached Champions League Last 16 following a 2-0 win against RB Salzburg on Wednesday, via Marca.

“Madrid are an excellent team. They know their footballers like no other, they always generate a change when faced with the pressure of any game and they compete.

“I admire them, they are footballers and a coach who compete every year. It’s not easy.”