Koke has admitted that it will be difficult for Atletico Madrid to catch La Liga leaders Barcelona this season.

Atletico climbed up to second in the table last weekend, but Barcelona are in control of the title race after their 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in El Clasico.

With four points currently separating Barcelona and Atletico, Koke claims that Diego Simeone's side must judge the challenge on a game-to-game basis.

"The players Barcelona have are of a high level and it's very difficult to catch them," the Atletico midfielder told reporters. "They are very strong. We will take things step-by-step and we will see where we are at the end of the season.

"We have to have patience, work every day and win the next match. We have the ambition to win every match."

Atletico host Espanyol on Saturday.