Diego Simeone described his Atletico Madrid players as "gladiators" and rated their performance a 10 out of 10 after they rescued a 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo in LaLiga.

Atleti saw midfielder Pablo Barrios sent off just seven minutes into Saturday's game and later fell behind to an Iago Aspas penalty.

However, Alexander Sorloth scored nine minutes from time to keep Atleti just one point adrift of Real Madrid at the summit, after Los Blancos were also held by Osasuna.

"If I had to grade it from one to 10, I clearly have to give my players a 10," Simeone said at a post-match press conference on Saturday.

"To play almost 90 minutes with one man down is something I've seen very few times and they managed to defend well, controlled the attacks of an opponent who plays aggressively.

"They had few chances except for the penalty, but we managed to equalise and we were encouraged to play for the win with what we had left in the tank. 

"It was an obstacle that was put in front of us but we passed and that will make us stronger.

"The boys are in a good moment and what I saw out there after the red card, we were gladiators... Ninety minutes with one down, you know? It's very, very tough..."

Madrid still top the standings with 51 points, despite being pegged back by an Ante Budimir penalty as they also drew 1-1 on Saturday.

Barcelona are third on 48 points and will face sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano on Monday.