Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes his side are having a 'great season' despite them playing catch-up in La Liga's title race. The defending champions sit seven points behind leaders Barcelona and are also 1-0 to Bayer Leverkusen after the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. But despite recent setbacks Simeone is refusing to write-off his side's chances of recreating their success of last season. Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone believes his side are having a 'great season' despite sitting fourth . Antoine Griezmann (left) and Fernando Torres train ahead of Saturday's game against Espanyol . 'There are still a lot of games left,' he told reporters on Friday. 'We'll have to wait to see how the league finishes and then we'll review what happened. 'You all like to compare this team to last year's, something I don't consider at all. 'I think we've got six points fewer than a year ago. I think we're having a great season.' Midfielder Koke celebrates after scoring in Atletico's 1-1 draw at home to Valencia last weekend . Koke is mobbed by his team-mates including former Liverpool and Chelsea striker Torres (right) Atletico take on Espanyol on Saturday and Simeone is looking for three points to jump back above Valencia, who beat Deportivo on Friday evening. 'We're hoping to get back to winning ways, which is important,' Simeone added. 'Hopefully, against Espanyol we can get back that consistency we had in the first half against Valencia, which is our way of playing and what makes us a difficult team to play against.'
Champions Atletico Madrid are seven points behind leaders Barcelona . Atletico are also behind in their Champions League last 16 tie . But manager Diego Simeone is pleased with his side's performances . Atletico won La Liga and reached the Champions League final last season .