Diego Simeone praises Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone has praised his Atletico Madrid side following Sunday's 2-2 draw with Real Madrid.

Goals from Koke and Gabi moved the home side ahead after Karim Benzema had handed Carlo Ancelotti's side an early lead, before Cristiano Ronaldo struck late on the visitors.

The result means that Atletico are three points behind Los Blancos at the top of the La Liga table with just 12 league games remaining.

"What counts is the final result. The team showed today it's alive in the title race. That might bother some, but we're still alive," he told reporters at a press conference.

"Three points off the top with 12 games left is very good. We went behind but reacted really well. We started to play between the lines, press them on the shoulder and create chances.

"In the second half we were okay. We had opportunities but couldn't find the final pass to make it 3-1. The team put in great work. I'm proud of the squad."

Atletico boast the better head-to-head record against Madrid this season following a 1-0 win at the Bernabeu earlier in the season.