Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone says his side must continue to grow after moving to the top of La Liga thanks to Saturday’s 1-0 win over Levante.

Simeone used the game against the division’s bottom club to rotate his troops and it was midfielder Thomas Partey who was the hero for Los Colchoneros, coming off the bench to net the winner in the 81st minute.

With Barcelona drawing earlier in the day in the Catalan derby against Espanyol, the win saw Atleti climb to the summit of the standings, two points clear of the Blaugrana.

Barca do, however, have a game in hand, while a win for Real Madrid at Valencia will see them also cut the gap.

It is Simeone’s men who have the advantage though, and they are set to be boosted by the January arrivals of Augusto Fernandez and Matias Kranevitter.

After Saturday’s win, Simeone admitted his side were full of confidence but has warned they still have plenty of areas where they need to improve if they are to win the title.

“We’re delighted to be top,” Simeone told reporters. “Being top shows me that we have good numbers, but we must continue growing and working on the things we need to improve.

“I have no obligation to start anyone. I go by what my players do in training and games. The best way to improve is to have competition.

“[Augusto Fernandez and Matias Kranevitter] are welcome, but they know they have to work in order to play in this team, like the rest of the squad.”

Next up for Atletico is a trip to Celta Vigo next Sunday, a game they are 1.85 favourites to win, while the draw is priced at 3.25 and their opponents are on offer at 4.50.