Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone hailed his side’s battling efforts in their 2-0 La Liga win over Barcelona.

Los Rojiblancos flexed their muscles at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano with a dominant opening 45 minutes in the Spanish capital.

Two goals before the break, from Thomas Lemar and Luis Suarez, proved enough to secure all three points as Atletico returned to winning ways.

Simeone knows his side will have to remain consistent in the coming months as they look to defend their league title and he was pleased with a well earned three points against the Catalans.

“We needed this victory. We played our best football today and took our chances when they came,” as per reports from Movistar+.

“Football has missed people and people have missed football, so  seeing the stadium full again was exciting.”

A key win for Simeone gets Atletico back on track in domestic action following defeat to Alaves last weekend.

Los Rojiblancos now head into the international in a strong position with a trip to Granada on their return to action before a high stakes clash with Liverpool.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Latest report provides hint on Cowboys' feelings about Ezekiel Elliott reunion
Timberwolves big named NBA Sixth Man of the Year
Three-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher requests a trade from the Bengals
Commanders suddenly cut pass-rusher after NFL reinstatement
Watch: Pirates prospect Paul Skenes' remarkable streak ends
Cowboys make unsurprising move with Micah Parsons
Blue Jays OF placed on injured list due to hip inflammation
Jayden Daniels addresses if he'd play for Commanders
Guardians top pitching prospect shut down after setback
Lions agree to record-setting extension with OT
Sharks fire head coach David Quinn after two seasons
Marvin Harrison Jr. explains controversial predraft decisions
Reigning Cy Young winner's disastrous 2024 continues
Lions extension makes Amon-Ra St. Brown the NFL's highest-paid receiver
Ravens extend former first-round pick
Bengals make decision on three-time Pro Bowl WR
Cardinals demote former top prospect following brutal start
Peyton Manning rips Jets for failing QB Zach Wilson
Heat react strongly to claims they put 'code red' on Jayson Tatum
Steelers make notable decision on QB Justin Fields