Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has claimed that Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Levante was "the best thing that could happen" to the La Liga leaders.

Victory in Valencia would have left Atletico needing just one more win to secure the title this season, but the slip has left Simeone's side just three points clear of Barcelona and five points ahead of third-placed Real Madrid, who have a game in hand.

"The defeat was the best thing that could happen to us," he told reporters.

"That leads us to three weeks of high intensity and great emotion, it is the ideal moment for the players, they will surely have a fantastic three weeks.

"The team tried and had several chances. Their goalkeeper had a great game. Levante did very well. Now we have to focus in the first final we have: Malaga [on May 11]."

Atletico travel to Barcelona on the final weekend of the season.