Diego Simeone believes LaLiga has become a more interesting and competitive environment now the emphasis has shifted from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's battle for silverware.
Atleti squandered a glorious chance to temporarily go top on Saturday as Filipe Luis' second-half header was cancelled out by Mario Gaspar's deflected strike in a 1-1 draw at lowly Villarreal.
Thomas Lemar headed wide with a late opportunity to restore the visitors' advantage, while they were indebted to Jan Oblak for two key saves with the game in the balance.
The result enabled Barcelona to edge a point clear of surprise challengers Deportivo Alaves but, on a day that saw Real Madrid lose for the third time this term, Simeone was content to soak up the open nature of the competition.