Diego Simeone: 'Atletico Madrid can't win title'

Diego Simeone has conceded that his Atletico Madrid team have little chance of retaining their La Liga title this season, insisting that Champions League qualification is the aim.

The reigning champions lost 2-0 to Celta Vigo last week in a defeat that left Atletico seven points adrift of city rivals Real Madrid at the summit.

Simeone's side sit third, five points clear of fifth-placed Sevilla, and the Argentine admits that a top-four finish is now the priority.

"Valencia signed well and Sevilla are growing under Unai Emery and I'm convinced that our fight is there, with them," he told Los Che.

"Our goal is the Champions League and our rivals for that are Sevilla (fifth, five points off Atletico) and Valencia.

"Villarreal (sixth, nine points behind) could also get into it, as they're playing very well, although now they've got a bit of a problem with injuries."

Atleti face Almeria on Saturday.