Diego Simeone: 'We must be aware of Real Betis'

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has called on his side to focus ahead of Sunday's league clash with Real Betis in Seville.

With Real Madrid facing Barcelona in the late kickoff on Sunday, victory for Atletico would move them top of La Liga due to their superior head-to-head record over Los Blancos.

"Betis have grown a lot since the last visit to Calderon," he told reporters at a press conference. "They have competed very well in the previous league matches and certainly have suffered a taught blow on in the Europa League last Thursday.

"But it is a team that has been improving in the league. It has grown and they are playing with intensity and aggression.

"We have to play as usual it will be a tough match due to the needs. It will be a match where we'll both have needs."

Betis remain rooted to the bottom of La Liga, nine points from safety.