Simeone: Game by game we are getting closer to achieving consistency

Diego Simeone says Atlético Madrid are getting closer to the consistency they need to compete in LaLiga. His side drew despite being down 2-1 at the San Mames after Koke had given them the lead and Iñigo Lekue and Óscar De Marcos put Athletic Club back ahead. It was Antoine Griezmann who scored the leveller and Atlético could have won, but a draw in Bilbao is not to be sneezed at.

Simeone said, “We are growing, every game we are getting closer to the consistency we want. I am quite content with the opening 25-30 minutes and the push at the end.”

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Atlético currently sit joint-fourth behind Real Madrid, Sevilla and Barcelona and all three teams ahead of them won at the weekend, along with Real Sociedad below them. The challenge from Villarreal has hit the rocks in recent weeks, with a loss to Valencia the most recent slip-up by Fran Escriba’s side. Sociedad are playing some of the most attractive football in the league and beat another outsider for European football in Celta Vigo on Sunday night.

Madrid did not look convincing in their win over Málaga on Saturday, but they keep chugging along and sit one point clear of Sevilla with a game against Valencia in hand.

Atlético play Eibar in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night before travelling to Alavés and welcoming Leganés in the league in the next two weeks. Atleti drew those two fixtures in the first round of games and have a chance to right those wrongs in the coming weeks.