Athletic Bilbao boss Ernesto Valverde has admitted that Atletico Madrid were on another level when the two sides met in La Liga at the weekend.

Goals from David Villa and Diego Costa secured the points for Atletico, with Valverde claiming that the capital outfit "are very, very strong".

"It was very difficult for us. You just have to look at the League table," the Bilbao boss told reporters.

"When one team is moving further away from the rest, it's clear that they are better. It's no coincidence they are at the top of the table.

"Atleti are very, very strong. I thought we started the game well, but after that they were better than us. We were well beaten."

Bilbao currently sit fifth in the league table, while Atletico are second.