Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is proud of his players after fighting their way back into the title rce.

Atletico go into the Barcelona game on Sunday just five points behind the LaLiga leaders.

"The goal is to improve ourselves," Simeone said to reporters at his pre-match press conference.

"We have always competed and we will be competitive again on Sunday.

"The game is important, against a rival with numbers that speak for themselves.

"(Barca coach Ernesto) Valverde resolved the departure of Neymar, changed a system that had worked successfully for many years, taught everyone that Barcelona can also play 4-4-2 and he's unbeaten in the league.

"We play against a team that is having a fantastic season and the game will be resolved like every one we have played against them; by the small details."

A win for the Rojiblancos will make their run in easier according to Simeone.

"We still have to go to Villarreal and Real Madrid," he continued.

"There are 12 games left and we are all competing for something.

"The points are important because they give us a margin and that makes us better able to handle what's left."