Diego Simeone has insisted that he is "proud" of his Atletico Madrid players, despite dropping out of the La Liga title race on the penultimate weekend of the season.

Leaders Barcelona beat Espanyol 5-0 at Camp Nou, while Real Madrid also recorded a 3-2 win over Valencia, meaning that Atletico had to avoid defeat to remain in the race ahead of week 38.

Atletico surprisingly lost 2-1 at already-relegated Levante, but Simeone has refused to criticise his team and claimed that he can take "joy" from the fact that his team continue to 'compete with the best'.

"Beyond the defeat I have the joy that the team competes with the best. I'm proud of the players, they have done a great season until today." Simeone told reporters.

Atletico will take on capital rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League final on May 28.