Barcelona captain Raphinha scored twice as they won in LaLiga for the first time in a month, crushing Real Mallorca 5-1 at the Estadi Son Moix.

Hansi Flick's league leaders – who were without a victory in three matches in the competition – netted four times in a dominant second-half performance as they extended their advantage over Real Madrid to four points.

A comical mix-up between Martin Valjent and Johan Majica allowed Ferran Torres to give Barca a 12th-minute lead, though the hosts levelled when Vedat Muriqi tapped home to cap a lightning counterattack on the stroke of half-time.

However, that equaliser only served to anger Barca and they pulled clear after the interval.

Raphinha restored their lead from the penalty spot in the 56th minute after the excellent Lamine Yamal was fouled, with the teenager then curling in a wonderful 74th-minute cross to tee up his captain's second goal.

Substitutes Frenkie de Jong and Pau Victor added to the goalfest with late strikes from inside the box to wrap up an easy win for the Blaugrana, who have played two games more than second-placed Madrid.

Data Debrief: Raphinha into double figures as Barca cruise

In Robert Lewandowski (15) and Raphinha (10), Barcelona are the only team to have two players in double figures for goals in one of Europe's top five leagues this season.

Things could hardly have been more comfortable for the Blaugrana, who created a huge total of 4.93 expected goals (xG), the highest figure by any team in a single match in LaLiga this campaign.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is hoping to meet Copa Libertadores winners Botafogo in the Intercontinental Cup final that takes place in December. 

Botafogo beat Atletico Mineiro 3-1 to win their first title in the famous competition, despite seeing Gregore sent off inside 30 seconds for a high tackle on Fausto Vera. 

Luiz Henrique and Alex Telles put Botafogo two goals in front before Eduardo Vargas reduced the deficit, only for Junior Santos to seal the win in second-half injury time. 

The Intercontinental Cup, which takes place in Qatar at the end of this month, will see the champions of all six confederations square off for a chance to play Madrid in the final. 

Botafogo will play CONCACAF champions Pachuca, with the winner of that encounter taking on the African-Asian-Pacific Cup winners, Al Ahly. 

Los Blancos are already in the tournament's showpiece on December 18 after beating Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final, claiming their 15th title. 

"I watched the match (Libertadores final) live and really enjoyed it," Ancelotti told a press conference.

"It was a fantastic atmosphere. I was mesmerised. An incredible first minute of the game, with that incredible flying kick (that earned Gregore a red card).

"Then the team's (Botafogo's) attitude and commitment were extraordinary. They played a fantastic match down to 10 men."

Ancelotti was also happy for Botafogo midfielder Allan, who he managed during his time in charge of Napoli and Everton.

The Italian is hoping for a reunion with his former player, saying: "I'm happy for Allan who won the Libertadores with Botafogo, which is a historic team in Brazilian football.

"For them to be able to finally win the Libertadores for the first time. Yes, I was delighted!

"I know they still have a couple of games to fight for and reach the (Intercontinental Cup) final but yes, it would be great if it's them against us."

But up first for Ancelotti and Madrid is a trip to the San Mames Barria to face Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga. 

Madrid recovered from their loss to Liverpool in the Champions League in midweek by beating Getafe 2-0 on Sunday, with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham on target.

That result moved Los Blancos to within a point of rivals Barcelona at the summit of the standings, with the luxury of having a game in hand over their Clasico rivals. 

Ancelotti, however, has seen his side suffer several injuries this season, with the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao all missing on Sunday. 

But Ancelotti was able to provide a positive injury update on midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who has missed the last four games in all competitions with an ankle injury.

"To have Aurelien back is really important because of his role, so versatile defensively, can play as a centre-back or holding midfielder," added the Italian.

"Also, his height is key for us while defending set pieces, an important aspect of the game in which we have suffered since Eder Militao went down."

Barcelona must rediscover their golden touch in front of goal if they are to push on and win LaLiga, says Hansi Flick.

The Blaugrana are winless in three league matches and have seen their lead at the top of the standings cut to just one point.

Defeats against Real Sociedad and Las Palmas cut Barcelona's have come either side of a 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo, in which they gave up a 2-0 lead.

With second-placed Real Madrid just a point behind and with a game in hand, Flick knows Barca cannot afford any slip-ups against Mallorca on Tuesday.

And Flick put Barca's recent run down to wasting chances.

"For me, the good news is that November is over and we are in December," Flick told reporters.

"The team has given a lot in those games, in the midfield we have had a lot of intensity and we have been very disciplined. We created chances but we have to finish better.

"It may seem like I'm making excuses, but we lost. We have to be focused in attack. We can't afford to have two or three chances and do not score them. In football it's the goals that count."

Across their past three fixtures in LaLiga, Barca have scored just three goals, underperforming their 4.7 expected goals (xG).

In that time, only Real Valladolid (4.76%) and Rayo Vallecano (6.25%) have a lower shot conversion rate than Barca (6.38%).

Flick says his team just need to show more focus on the details.

"We are a young team that have to learn and fight for victories," Flick said.

"At the back, we need to stop conceding goals and for that we have to defend as a unit. In attack, we also have to be united. We have to score with the chances we get.

"We had long possessions and a lot of chances, but in the end it's a fight to win the duels. When I see (Pau) Cubarsi or Inigo Martinez and how well they defend.

"Pedri runs a lot in midfield... so do the others. There is a long way to go, we want to win the league title and for that everyone has to fight." 

Carlo Ancelotti expressed his delight with forward Kylian Mbappe's performance during Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Getafe in LaLiga on Sunday. 

Mbappe netted in consecutive top-flight games for the first time since September, eight minutes after Jude Bellingham's penalty had put Los Blancos in front. 

The result moved Madrid to within a point of leaders Barcelona at the summit of the standings, with the luxury of a game in hand over their Clasico rivals. 

Mbappe starred in the win, registering a team-high expected goals (xG) tally of 1.29 to Madrid's 2.58 total, while also having more shots on target (two) and touches in the opposition box (eight) than any of his team-mates. 

This season, only Ante Budimir (six) has scored more home goals in LaLiga than the Frenchman (five - level with Raphinha, Vinicius Junior and Robert Lewandowski). 

And Ancelotti was pleased with Mbappe's display after enduring a difficult outing during Madrid's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday. 

"He was active, dangerous and scored a great goal, which was important to control the rest of the game. He was active and that's what we want from him," Ancelotti said. 

"The fans understand better than anyone the moment of the team and the players. They supported Mbappe after Anfield because it was the right thing to do.

"Yes, a relief for everyone because it was a spectacular goal with fantastic execution," Ancelotti added when asked if it was a relief for Mbappe to score against Getafe.

The result saw Los Blancos extend their unbeaten home run against Getafe to 16 matches. Only against Racing de Santander (18 between 1952 & 1994) have they achieved a longer home winning streak in the competition. 

Ancelotti was also without several of his first-team players on Sunday, with David Alaba, Eder Militao, Vinicius, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga all missing. 

It looked as though they had suffered another injury blow when goalscorer Bellingham was taken off at the break, though Ancelotti was confident it was nothing serious. 

"Despite the difficulties, which are many because of all the injuries we are having, we are fighting and struggling," Ancelotti said.

"We have returned to playing with concentration, spirit and attitude and that reassures me and gives me confidence.

"Little by little we will solve the problems, but in the meantime we are fighting."

Madrid's next assignment comes in the shape of fourth placed Athletic Bilbao, who edged past Rayo Vallecano 2-1 on Sunday thanks to Oihan Sancet's brace. 

Carlo Ancelotti expressed his delight with forward Kylian Mbappe's performance during Real Madrid's 2-0 win over Getafe in LaLiga on Sunday. 

Mbappe netted in consecutive top-flight games for the first time since September, eight minutes after Jude Bellingham's penalty had put Los Blancos in front. 

The result moved Madrid to within a point of leaders Barcelona at the summit of the standings, with the luxury of a game in hand over their Clasico rivals. 

Mbappe starred in the win, registering a team-high expected goals (xG) tally of 1.29 to Madrid's 2.58 total, while also having more shots on target (two) and touches in the opposition box (eight) than any of his team-mates. 

This season, only Ante Budimir (six) has scored more home goals in LaLiga than the Frenchman (five - level with Raphinha, Vinicius Junior and Robert Lewandowski). 

And Ancelotti was pleased with Mbappe's display after enduring a difficult outing during Madrid's 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday. 

"He was active, dangerous and scored a great goal, which was important to control the rest of the game. He was active and that's what we want from him," Ancelotti said. 

"The fans understand better than anyone the moment of the team and the players. They supported Mbappe after Anfield because it was the right thing to do.

"Yes, a relief for everyone because it was a spectacular goal with fantastic execution," Ancelotti added when asked if it was a relief for Mbappe to score against Getafe.

The result saw Los Blancos extend their unbeaten home run against Getafe to 16 matches. Only against Racing de Santander (18 between 1952 & 1994) have they achieved a longer home winning streak in the competition. 

Ancelotti was also without several of his first-team players on Sunday, with David Alaba, Eder Militao, Vinicius, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga all missing. 

It looked as though they had suffered another injury blow when goalscorer Bellingham was taken off at the break, though Ancelotti was confident it was nothing serious. 

"Despite the difficulties, which are many because of all the injuries we are having, we are fighting and struggling," Ancelotti said.

"We have returned to playing with concentration, spirit and attitude and that reassures me and gives me confidence.

"Little by little we will solve the problems, but in the meantime we are fighting."

Madrid's next assignment comes in the shape of fourth placed Athletic Bilbao, who edged past Rayo Vallecano 2-1 on Sunday thanks to Oihan Sancet's brace. 

Real Madrid closed the gap on LaLiga leaders Barcelona to a single point following a 2-0 victory over Getafe on Sunday.

Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe were on target in the first half for Carlo Ancelotti's side, who have a game in hand on the Blaugrana.

Following Barca's 2-1 defeat to Las Palmas on Saturday, Los Blancos broke the deadlock from the penalty spot on the half-hour mark at Santiago Bernabeu.

With Mbappe having failed from 12 yards against Liverpool in midweek, Bellingham made no mistake after Allan Nyom was penalised for a foul on Antonio Rudiger.

Bellingham then turned provider as Madrid doubled their lead eight minutes later by finding the France captain, who whipped the ball home from outside the box for his 10th goal of the season.

While Madrid, who recorded three straight clean sheets for the first time this term, maintain the pressure on Barca at the LaLiga summit, Getafe have slipped to 17th place with only goal difference keeping them outside the relegation zone.

Data Debrief: Mbappe enjoys home comforts

Madrid have now won each of their last 16 home LaLiga matches against Getafe. It is their joint-most successive such victories over a single opponent in the division.

Bellingham got the ball rolling from the penalty spot, where he boasts a 100% record (four from four) in the big five European leagues.

Mbappe gave Los Blancos breathing space with his fifth home league goal of the campaign, with only Osasuna's Ante Budimir (six) bettering that tally.

Michel was delighted with the mentality shown by his Girona team after they fought back to draw 2-2 with Villareal.

Girona were heading for defeat when Alex Baena put Villarreal 2-0 up early in the second half.

Yet Donny van de Beek dragged Girona back into it before Ladislav Krejci's superb volley deep into added time salvaged a point at Estadio de la Ceramica.

"At 2-0 it was very difficult to draw the game. I don't know if it was deserved but for me it was a great game from both teams," a relieved Michel said.

"[Villarreal coach] Marcelino controlled the tactical aspects and managed to make sure that with just a few touches the opponent hurt us in transition.

"I saw us losing, of course. They have a lot of quality and I thought that it was difficult to get something positive from the game. At 2-0 the team tried, we made it 2-1 and then we got into the game."

The result moved Girona up to seventh in the standings but they have work to do to return to the top four, with Villarreal in fourth place, four points ahead and with a game in hand.

"It will be complicated. Villarreal have found the key and with three competitions I don't know if we can reach that level," Michel said.

"They are not far away now with the draw, but they have a game in hand."

Ladislav Krejci's stoppage-time volley rescued a point for Girona in their 2-2 draw with Villarreal.

Though their three-match winning streak in LaLiga ended, Michel's side recovered from 2-0 down to earn a share of the spoils at Estadio de la Ceramica.

Villarreal were unbeaten in five matches across all competitions, and broke the deadlock midway through the first half when Thierno Barry tucked home after Yeremy Pino's initial header came back off the post.

The hosts, who were aiming to close the gap on the top three, doubled their lead within a minute of the restart through Alex Baena.

Girona responded in the 66th minute, halving the deficit when Donny van de Beek's deflected half-volley beat Diego Conde from the edge of the box.

Christhian Stuani saw an equaliser ruled out by VAR for offside, but the visitors did ensure a share of the spoils deep into stoppage time through Krejci's volley from distance.

Data Debrief: Barry joins Yamal in exclusive group

At 2-0 up, Villarreal were on course for their seventh victory over Girona in eight meetings.

Barry broke the deadlock and became the third player born in 2002 or later to be involved in six or more goals (four goals, two assists) in LaLiga this season, after Lamine Yamal and Fabio Silva.

However, Girona fought back, and though they could not extend their winning streak, the visitors maintained their momentum by earning a point.

Atletico Madrid's winning run is down to a successful adaptation by their summer signings, so says Diego Simeone.

Real Valladolid were no match for in-form Atleti on Saturday, as Simeone's team won 5-0 to cruise to a seventh straight victory in all competitions.

The club spent big on reinforcing their squad over the summer, and three of those signings - Clement Lenglet, Julian Alvarez and Alexander Sorloth - were on target against Valladolid.

Antoine Griezmann and Rodrigo De Paul also scored as Atleti moved, temporarily at least, into second place in LaLiga.

"All teams need time. A month and a half ago, two months ago, we talked about the new guys needing to adapt to the team and how Atletico Madrid play because they all played differently in their (former) teams," Simeone told reporters.

"The growth of Lenglet, [Conor] Gallagher, Julian, Sorloth and the hope of recovering [the injured] Robin Le Normand soon is giving us a good feeling.

"We lost a very bad game against [Real] Betis, where we were not recognisable. And I think that was the breakthrough of what has come from then on. We can win, lose or draw, but we have to be recognisable."

Atleti had just 13 shots against Valladolid, yet got nine of them on target and accumulated a whopping 4.0 expected goals. That means, on average, each of their shots had an xG value of 0.3.

Simeone hopes Atleti can carry the momentum into the Copa del Rey, with Cacereno coming up in the second round on Thursday.

"Defensively we are doing well, which gives us a plus, and offensively we also have a position that gives us attacking options, speed, inside play, aerial play, counter-attacking, and we have to keep going," he said.

"The league is very long and we are looking forward to the cup match, which will be tough like all ties, and we need to maintain the humility and commitment that the boys are showing."

Atletico Madrid hammered bottom side Real Valladolid 5-0 in LaLiga to provisionally move into second place in the table.

Clement Lenglet netted his first goal for the club, and his first in LaLiga since 2020, when he turned in Marcos Llorente's cross from close range in the 26th minute.

Julian Alvarez doubled the lead in the 35th, pouncing on a rebound from goalkeeper Karl Hein, who had blocked Antoine Griezmann's shot but could not deny the Argentine striker from the second attempt.

Rodrigo De Paul made it 3-0 two minutes later with a first-time low shot and it could have been worse for Valladolid as Guiliano Simeone and Jose Maria Gimenez both had efforts ruled out for offside in the first half.

Griezmann added another seven minutes into the second half after a brilliant move saw him dink Hein, with even the opposition fans prompted into applause.

Ivan Sanchez rattled the crossbar for the hosts, but it was Atletico who would find another goal as Alexander Sorloth rounded things off in stoppage time by prodding in Angel Correa's cross. 

Atletico are on 32 points, two ahead of Real Madrid, who have two games in hand. Barcelona, who lost 2-1 to Las Palmas earlier on Saturday, remain top with 34 points. Valladolid slumped to their tenth defeat in 15 games, leaving them bottom of the table on nine points.

Data Debrief: Turning on the style

It is a huge win that rounds off an impressive week for Atletico, who hit Sparta Prague for six in their Champions League match in midweek.

Diego Simeone's men have scored four or more goals in two consecutive matches in all competitions for the first time since May 2023, while it is the first time since February 2018 that they have done so in consecutive away matches. 

Atletico had six shots on target in the first half alone, scoring from half of them, and had nine overall as they created 3.77 expected goals (xG) against their struggling opponents. 

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick said he still believes in his players despite extending their windless LaLiga run to three matches with defeat to Las Palmas on Saturday.

Raphinha's 61st minute strike had cancelled out Sandro Ramirez, only for Fabio Silva to restore Las Palmas' advantage six minutes later to seal the win. 

The result opened the door for Barcelona's rivals Real Madrid to close the gap against Getafe on Sunday, finding themselves four points behind with two games in hand. 

But Flick's side had enough chances to earn a victory on their 125th anniversary celebrations, ending the contest with an expected goals (xG) of 2.32 to Las Palmas' 0.5. 

Barca mustered 28 shots, though only seven were on target, compared to their opponents' five attempts on Inaki Pena's goal, with Flick acknowledging that his side are disjointed at each end of the pitch. 

"I don't think there is a lack of confidence in the players. Players alone can't win games. It's always about the team. We need to have good connections in defence and in attack, and today we didn't have them," Flick told reporters.

"I believe in the players. I have confidence in them, but things are as they are. When I started here, I told them there would be no excuses.

"It's normal that some players, when they come back from injury, are not at the highest level. But if we play as a team, we should be able to beat any team, but if some players are disconnected, it doesn't go well."

Barcelona do not return to the Camp Nou until 15th December against Leganes, with away games at Mallorca and Real Betis in LaLiga followed by Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League to come. 

"We have to accept the slump, now another month starts. The team has the quality," Flick said. "Today it was not possible. In front of goal we were not able to score."

Raphinha, who netted the equaliser, was one of Barca's biggest threats, having registered more shots on target (three) and creating more chances (five) than any of his team-mates. 

The Brazilian also struck the crossbar and had a free-kick brilliantly tipped over the bar by Jasper Cillessen, but knows his side must return to winning ways if they are to challenge for the title. 

"We were bad in the game. We have to look at what we are doing wrong to try to improve and win the games," he said.

"We have dropped the level of what we were doing and this is making games more difficult for us.

"I don't care about the goal, I care about the victory. We didn't win, and I'm not satisfied with the match. Am I angry? Yes."

Michel believes Girona will inject some life back into their faltering campaign by picking up a win against Villarreal in Sunday's LaLiga fixture.

Girona were dealt another blow in the Champions League in midweek, as they lost 1-0 to Austrian side Sturm Graz on Wednesday.

They are the first Spanish team in Champions League history to lose four of their opening five matches in the competition. 

Girona are eighth in LaLiga heading into their meeting with fourth-placed Villarreal, having won their last three matches in Spain's top flight, while scoring four goals in two of them. 

"Despite the hard blow in the Champions League, now we have to bounce back and continue with the dynamic we had in LaLiga," Michel told reporters on Saturday.

"If we win tomorrow the team will get some oxygen back.

"Villarreal are in a great moment. And to be as high up as possible we have to win games like tomorrow's match," Michel added.

"If we win we can look at the top. But it's a very difficult game. Villarreal in defence are always in balance to make a quick attack. In two or three passes they can have a chance to score."

Michel said striker Viktor Tsygankov, who has struggled with a hamstring injury since early October, is a doubt for the match along with Yaser Asprilla.

"We have concerns regarding Tsygankov and Asprilla, as both finished the previous match with discomfort," Michel added.

"Tsygankov is experiencing an ankle issue, while Asprilla has a strain in his adductor muscle. We'll see how they feel tomorrow." 

Villarreal have won six of their last seven meetings with Girona (L1) in all competitions, as many victories as in their previous 12 clashes (W6 L6).

LaLiga leaders Barcelona lost their first home game of the season as they were beaten 2-1 by relegation-threatened Las Palmas on the day of their 125th anniversary celebrations.

The result extended Barcelona's winless run to three league matches, following a draw at Celta Vigo and defeat to Real Sociedad earlier this month. Hansi Flick's side remain top of the table on 34 points, four clear of second-placed Real Madrid who have two games in hand.

Las Palmas, meanwhile, have moved up to 14th place on 15 points following the victory.

The strugglers opened the scoring in the 49th minute through Sandro Ramirez, who scored with a fantastic finish. The lead only lasted 12 minutes though, with Raphinha getting the hosts back on terms with a left-footed effort past ex-Barcelona goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen.

But the visitors surprised everyone by getting ahead once again in the 67th minute. Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee Fabio Silva snuck through the offside trap to get on the end of a pass from Javi Munoz.

Silva shrugged off a home defender before finding the net to help his side secure a famous victory.

Data debrief: Barcelona wobble gives hope to chasing pack

Barcelona's defeat at the Olympic Stadium was the first match in nine home games this season that they have failed to win.

While they lead second-placed Real Madrid by four points and third-placed Atletico Madrid by five points, both have at least one game in hand over the Catalans.

Barcelona now go into back-to-back away games in LaLiga, having won just two of their last five on the road.

Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Brazil winger Rodrygo will return to action for Real Madrid this weekend in their LaLiga encounter against Getafe on Sunday. 

Rodrygo has missed the last two games after sustaining a muscle injury in Madrid's win over Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this month. 

It provides a welcome boost for Los Blancos, who are still licking their wounds from their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League in midweek. 

That loss also came with an injury to midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who joins David Alaba, Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Vinicius Junior and Aurelien Tchouameni on the sidelines. 

"Rodrygo will be back tomorrow, Tchouameni will be back next game and Camavinga will be back soon," Ancelotti told reporters on Saturday.

Ancelotti's side entered the weekend second in the LaLiga table, four points behind rivals Barcelona, but have the comfort of an extra game in hand. 

They welcome Getafe to the Bernabeu and have confidence in closing the gap at the summit, having won 18 of their last 21 games against Geta Azulones in LaLiga (D2 L1), scoring a total of 51 goals. 

"In many years of my career, only one year has been quite easy: last year," Ancelotti added. "All the other years I have had to solve problems. Sooner or later, the problems come. 

"It is impossible to think of a season like last year when everything went perfectly.

"It's better to find the problem in November or December than in April or May. Now the problem can be solved and, as I said, we are going to solve it.

"We are fighting for the league against a rival that is doing very well. The [Club] World Cup is coming, the Super Cup ... and above all the injured players are coming back.

"We have to endure the moment with a good attitude and commitment because the good things are yet to come."

The Italian continued to back 25-year-old France forward Kylian Mbappe, who had another subdued performance in Madrid's loss to Liverpool as he failed to trouble the Premier League club's defence and missed a penalty in the second half.

The Frenchman had ended a four-game run without a goal in all competitions in their last LaLiga match, netting the opener against Leganes, but managed just two shots during the trip to Anfield, with his saved penalty the only effort on target.

"He's aware that he has to do better, but he and everyone. We have to keep supporting him and think that it's a collective problem but not an individual one," Ancelotti said.

"The team's dynamic in LaLiga has improved a lot in the last two games, we have to bear in mind that we are missing a lot of players. Rodrygo returns tomorrow and we must be patient."

Diego Simeone insisted that Atletico Madrid's six-game winning run does not overshadow the need for improvements ahead of facing Real Valladolid this Saturday. 

Atletico are now 15th in the Champions League table following their 6-0 victory over Sparta Prague in midweek, their biggest ever away winning margin in a major European competition.

Their triumph at the Stadion Letna made it six consecutive wins in all competitions, and Simeone will be confident of keeping that run going this weekend. 

Atletico have won six of their last seven LaLiga away games against Real Valladolid (D1), recording one more victory than in their previous 20 visits to the Blanquivioleta's home ground in the competition (W5 D7 L8).

And despite winning four of their last five games in LaLiga (L1), Simeone insisted that his team are not at the peak of their powers just yet. 

"It was not so bad before and not so good now. Extremes are never good and everyone can have their own opinion," Simeone said.

"We have a competitive team when we win and when we lose, even if there are bad moments that we always have to go through. The team is improving and growing.

"The basis is that those who come in are doing very well, not just the eleven who start.

"We can improve in all facets, defensively and offensively, we have to find stability and find the best version of each one of us.

"I am happy with what is happening to the team, but I know the responsibility we have."

Simeone has also not lost any of his 12 matches as Atletico boss against Real Valladolid in LaLiga (W11 D1). Only against Getafe (G23 W19 D4) has he managed more matches without losing in the competition.

Simeone's side sit third in the table, five points behind leaders Barcelona after 14 games so far this season.

Atletico have shown signs of replicating their 2020-21 LaLiga success with their performances this term, especially in defence, having conceded just eight times which is the fewest in the division. 

But when asked if he felt like his side were currently better than the two teams ahead of them in the table, Simeone said: "I don't compare myself to anyone.

"We look at ourselves and try to improve and grow as a team every day, regardless of what happens to everyone else."

Real Valladolid have lost 13 of their last 14 matches against Atletico in LaLiga, drawing the other match during this period.

It is the second-worst winless streak for Valladolid in the top-flight after a 16-match run against Real Madrid between 2009 and 2024 (D2 L14).

Though Paulo Pezzolano's side find themselves at the bottom of the table, Simeone insisted that his players must not underestimate their opponents. 

"They're a highly competitive team, they always play with great commitment and great collective behaviour," Simeone said. 

"Very intense, higher than in the last few games we've played."