Atletico Madrid Go Top with Another Win as Simeone Equals Historic Record

Atletico Madrid continued their fine form in La Liga with a 2-0 away victory over Levante in Matchday 11. Alejandro Grimaldo (36') and Giuliano Simeone (62') got on the scoresheet for the Rojiblancos. Manager Diego Simeone registered an impressive 344th La Liga victory in his 565th match, equalling the legendary Luis Aragones for the most wins in the competition's history. The Argentine looks poised to claim the top spot outright in the near future.

A seventh consecutive victory lifted Atleti to the top of the table on 28 points, having played a game more than Barcelona, who feature later today. Diego Simeone's side enter a crucial week in high spirits, hosting Bayern Munich in the Champions League before welcoming the Catalans to the Metropolitano at the weekend. Levante, meanwhile, have won just once in their last six matches and sit just above the relegation zone on 10 points.

Atletico appeared to break the deadlock in the 15th minute when Alex Baena brilliantly played through Morten Hjulmand, who neatly slotted past home goalkeeper Mathew Ryan. However, VAR ruled the Dane offside, chalking off the goal. Atleti remained on the front foot, and Marcos Llorente forced a good save with a dangerous effort roughly fifteen minutes later.

The visitors' persistence paid off in the 36th minute. Midfielder Jon Olasagasti made an error as his clearance inadvertently sent Alejandro Grimaldo through on goal. Atletico's new signing broke clear and unleashed a powerful diagonal strike beyond Ryan to make it 1-0 for the Rojiblancos. Levante had a chance to level six minutes later through Karl Etta Eyong, but his effort flew over the crossbar.

Atletico maintained their dominance after the break. In the 55th minute, Diego Simeone's men came close to doubling their advantage when Kang-in Lee's strike from the edge of the box rattled the crossbar. Seven minutes later, the Colchoneros did find their second. Following a slick counter-attack, Baena surged forward and picked out Giuliano Simeone, who calmly slotted past Ryan for 2-0. Etta Eyong had another opportunity to pull one back shortly after, but his close-range effort was blocked by Jan Oblak.

Levante pressed in the closing stages, but failed to find even a consolation goal.