Simeone pleased with Atletico progress

Diego Simeone praised his forwards following Atletico
Madrid's 2-1 home win against Valencia.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is pleased with the
progress his side are making following their 2-1 win over
Valencia on Sunday.

Jackson Martinez and Yannick Ferreira Carrasco scored their
second league goals of the season as Atleti edged past
Valencia.

The win means Atletico move to third in the La Liga table, just
two points behind Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Simeone praised the performances of his forwards, especially
off-season signing Carrasco.

"Ferreira Carrasco is growing based on the effort he made to
suit the characteristics of the team," he said. "We're happy for
his performance. His goal is his specialty.

"He's a guy that comes from making important goals. He is a
player that has conditions, why he is at Atletico.

"Jackson is growing too. He had his goal and another chance.

This is his second straight game with a goal. I am glad."

Despite securing the three points, Atletico were made to sweat
late in the game as Valencia pushed hard for an equaliser.

However, Simeone feels the team are progressing and said the
performance against Valencia was one of their best this season.

"It's too early to make judgments," the 45-year-old said. "We
focus on what is to come.

"I think we saw one of the best matches of Atletico in recent
times."