Real Madrid’s rivalry with Atletico Madrid dates back decades, as the two city rivals have frequently battled for dominance in La Liga and competed fiercely in numerous encounters.

This season, the Rojiblancos got the better of Real Madrid with victories in the Copa del Rey and La Liga, but coach Diego Simeone is well aware of the threat Los Blancos pose, how much they have made them pay over the years and their continual progression.

Simeone acknowledges Real Madrid’s dominance

La Liga’s main two title contenders have historically proven to be Barcelona and Real Madrid, with Atletico Madrid occasionally challenging their dominance in certain seasons.

But they continue to assert themselves in European competitions by consistently making the cut in the Champions League.

Simeone is adamant that Real Madrid will be the primary team to surpass in the upcoming years.

“You can be champions if you beat Real Madrid, who are the best team in the world, and who will continue to be the best team in the world because they have rejuvenated their squad and will continue to grow,” he said in a press conference (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

Simeone concedes Real Madrid are the best team in the world. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

“It’s going to be difficult but of course, we want to be champions because we’ve already done it.”

Given the Merengues continue to win titles every season, dethroning them in domestic and European competitions will require a herculean effort and Simeone acknowledges that.

Real Madrid have a golden opportunity to make history by clinching a record 15th Champions League title this season.

Moreover, fortifications in their squad are expected to take place this summer, with Endrick and Kylian Mbappe’s arrivals imminent.

As such, Simeone’s concerns about competing with Madrid in the foreseeable future hold weight.