Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone refused to criticise the referee following Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Barcelona.

Replays indicated that Lionel Messi had used his arm in the build-up to Barca's second, but Simeone only had words of praise for the official.

The Argentine, who led Atletico to their first La Liga title since 1996 last term, also branded Barcelona "a great team".

"I complained to Messi about the handball, and he told me it wasn't normal, but it was still a great goal. The referee had a great game," he told reporters.

"Barca played with a lot of speed and intensity at the start of the match, and that was the difference between the two teams. They've played with great intensity after each loss this season and nullified us... they're a great team."

Barcelona and Atletico remain second and third respectively in La Liga.