Atletico Madird must keep improving to catch top two, says Diego Simeone

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone remained proud of his players for mounting a Primera Division title challenge despite seeing their hopes ended after Sunday's 2-1 defeat at relegated Levante.

The Champions League finalists took an early lead through Fernando Torres, but Victor's 30th-minute header levelled the scores and Italian forward Giuseppe Rossi netted a late winner which put Atletico out of the championship race ahead of the final match of the campaign.

Barcelona's 5-0 victory against Espanyol leaves Atletico three points behind the defending champions with one game to play and unable to overtake them because of the head-to-head results between the two teams.

However, Simeone refused to be downbeat despite their title dreams being over.

"I told the players I am proud of them and they did a great season until today," he said at his post-match press conference.

"I am filled with joy that the team is competing with the top two with just a match left to finish the championship. Now we have to continue on this line, because it is clear that this is the path that brings you closer to them."

On the match, Simeone conceded his team had just lacked enough to kill off the match as a contest.

"We started very well in the first five minutes, but Levante played a great match and were better than us," he said.

"They had greater continuity in the game and I can just congratulate them. We had some chances to score, but they defended well."

Atletico can still reclaim second spot from neighbours - and Champions League final opponents - Real Madrid, should results go for them on the final weekend of the season.

Simeone added: "There is not any kind of excuse in the last match. We are finishing a fantastic and huge season. We look forward to another round to continue competing with Barcelona and Real Madrid.

"Other years were further away and this year we were closer. This is what makes me more and more happy."