Beating Sevilla far from easy, insists Simeone

Diego Simeone insists Atletico Madrid's 3-0 win over Sevilla was nowhere near as comfortable as the scoreline might suggest.

The 2013-14 Liga champions withstood some heavy pressure from the home side, particularly in the first half, but emerged victorious thanks to goals from Koke, Gabi and a first in Spain's top flight from Jackson Martinez.

"The battle in the first half shows it was not easy," Atletico coach Simeone said to reporters after the match. "We faced a very complete team, very competitive, who attack you from the middle and from out wide. They fought for every ball.

"The best thing about my time was the high pressing. Both Antoine Griezmann and Fernando Torres were good and allowed us to keep Fernando Llorente quiet."

Club captain Gabi believes his side have laid down a marker with the result but is determined not to look too far ahead - especially with the visit of Barcelona to come after the international break.

"I think we went out to win the game from the off and it was a complete performance," he said. "Sevilla are a direct rival and we've taken a huge step forward.

"We'll keep working, step by step. Now we look to Barca, we're not looking too far ahead."