Simeone keen to protect Atletico's slim lead at top of LaLiga

Atletico Madrid's eight-match winning streak in LaLiga has lifted them to the top of the standings, but Diego Simeone insists they are taking one match at a time.

Atletico last won the league title in 2020-21, but are currently one point above local rivals Real Madrid after 19 matches, with 44 points.

Only once before have they won nine successive games in a single LaLiga season, between March and April 2014, also under Simeone.

With Madrid not playing until Sunday, Atletico could extend their lead at the top of the table to four points, but Simeone is not getting ahead of himself.

"More than anyone else we live match by match," Simeone told reports ahead of Saturday's visit to Leganes.

"We have to enjoy this situation, knowing our victories and based on what happens, work in accordance with what is needed."

Newly promoted Leganes sit 16th in the table and are unbeaten in three matches in all competitions. In midweek, they reached the quarter-finals of Copa del Rey with a 3-2 win over Almeria this week.

The Borja Jimenez-led side stunned Barcelona last month, beating them 1-0 at their own stadium.

However, Simeone has not lost any of his nine meetings with Leganes in the Spanish top-flight (W5 D4), his fourth-best unbeaten record against a single team in the division.

"Tomorrow we play against an opponent who is strong at home... it will be a tough match. I can't imagine anything else," Simeone said.

Leganes almost held Atletico in October before two late goals secured Simeone's side a 3-1 win.

Leganes have not won any of their nine meetings with Atletico in LaLiga though (D4 L5) - against no other opponent have they gone more games without a win in the top-flight (Real Madrid - P9 D2 L7).

"I see a dangerous team, at home it took us a lot of effort to take the game forward," Simeone added.

"The coach works very well and that's something to be valued... they had an important win in the cup and victories always generate encouragement."