Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes his side are having a 'great season ' despite them playing catch-up in La Liga 's title race . The defending champions sit seven points behind leaders Barcelona and are also 1-0 to Bayer Leverkusen after the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie . But despite recent setbacks Simeone is refusing to write-off his side 's chances of recreating their success of last season . Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes his side are having a 'great season ' despite sitting fourth . Antoine Griezmann ( left ) and Fernando Torres train ahead of Saturday 's game against Espanyol . 'There are still a lot of games left , ' he told reporters on Friday . 'We 'll have to wait to see how the league finishes and then we 'll review what happened . 'You all like to compare this team to last year 's , something I do n't consider at all . ' I think we 've got six points fewer than a year ago . I think we 're having a great season . ' Midfielder Koke celebrates after scoring in Atletico 's 1-1 draw at home to Valencia last weekend . Koke is mobbed by his team-mates including former Liverpool and Chelsea striker Torres ( right ) Atletico take on Espanyol on Saturday and Simeone is looking for three points to jump back above Valencia , who beat Deportivo on Friday evening . 'We 're hoping to get back to winning ways , which is important , ' Simeone added . 'Hopefully , against Espanyol we can get back that consistency we had in the first half against Valencia , which is our way of playing and what makes us a difficult team to play against . '
Champions Atletico Madrid are seven points behind leaders Barcelona . Atletico are also behind in their Champions League last season tie . But manager Diego Simeone is pleased with his side 's performances . Atletico won La Liga and reached the Champions League final last 16 .