'They're the best team in the league': Atlético boss Diego Simeone admits Barcelona are even better than his own side

Diego Simeone was left impressed by Barcelona's start to the 2026/27 La Liga season after watching his Atlético Madrid side beat Real Madrid 2-1 in Sunday's Madrid derby. Hansi Flick's team have won all seven league matches so far, scored 31 goals and opened a five-point lead over Atlético at the top of the table, prompting Simeone to describe Barcelona as a team operating at a level that feels completely different from the rest of the league.Simeone: Barcelona look like they are playing a different sportSimeone was asked about Barcelona after Atlético's victory over Real Madrid and gave an emphatic assessment of the reigning champions' performances.“Honestly, they play amazingly well. It's like they're playing a different sport—a sport completely different from the one we play,” Simeone told ESPN.Barcelona have made a perfect start to their title defence, with their latest victory coming against Sevilla on September 19. Flick's side won 3-1 at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium, with Raphinha scoring a hat-trick after Youssouf Fofana had given the hosts an early lead.Simeone was particularly struck by Barcelona's attacking output and the way they have adapted without a traditional central striker leading the line.“They didn't really have a number nine, but then Raphinha stepped up, and he's got 12 goals in seven games. I think Yamal has seven, if I'm not mistaken,” he said.Raphinha's form has also put him at the top of the La Liga scoring charts, with the Brazilian five goals clear of Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé and Sergio Camello in the race for the Pichichi.Raphinha and Yamal are driving Barcelona's attackRaphinha has been central to Barcelona's explosive start, particularly after being used in a more central attacking role.Against Sevilla, he scored in the 22nd, 52nd and 69th minutes to complete his hat-trick and maintain Barcelona's unbeaten record, while Yamal has also contributed seven goals.The Atlético manager's comments also reflected his admiration for Barcelona's approach when they do not have possession.“The numbers are incredible; they press you high up the pitch, they close down your time on the ball, and they aren't afraid to take risks—even if it means conceding—because it seems like conceding a goal just makes them even more dangerous, since they're simply the better side,” Simeone said.That aggressive approach has been a defining part of Barcelona's opening seven matches, with the team combining their attacking production with pressure high up the pitch and a willingness to take risks.Simeone ultimately described Flick's side as the team setting the standard in the league.“Right now, they are the best team in the league, based on what they are showing,” he said.Barcelona have opened a five-point lead over AtléticoBarcelona's perfect record has left them five points clear of second-placed Atlético Madrid, who moved further into the title race by beating city rivals Real Madrid 2-1 on Sunday.The result leaves Atlético competing with Real Madrid and the other leading sides while Barcelona remain the only team with a perfect seven-game record at the top.Barcelona's next league match is scheduled for October 10 against Getafe, following the extended FIFA international break, with the game set to take place at Spotify Camp Nou.Barcelona and Atlético Madrid are then scheduled to meet on November 8, 2026, at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, giving Simeone's side their next direct meeting with the league leaders.Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news, check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.