Diego Simeone spares dismissed duo criticism after Barcelona loss

Filipe Luis rejoined Atletico Madrid from Chelsea last summer after just one season at Stamford Bridge

Diego Simeone refused to criticise Filipe Luis and Diego Godin after the Atletico Madrid pair received red cards in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at title rivals Barcelona.

Luis was sent off for a first-half challenge on Lionel Messi described by Barca coach Luis Enrique as "shocking".

Godin received a second caution for a late challenge on Luis Suarez, who earlier scored the winning goal.

Atletico coach Simeone said: "I have nothing to reproach them for."

Even with nine men Atletico were not overwhelmed by the champions but Simeone admitted Barcelona may be difficult to catch in the title race.

He added: "They have players who decide games, a three-point lead, and a game to play. The league is long, but they don't stumble very much.

Luis Enrique has a perfect six-match winning record against Atletico Madrid

"I am proud of my team. It kept its character throughout. You can win, or you can lose, and I choose to lose this way any day.

"They had two chances and scored on both, and even playing with nine we put a late scare into them.''

Barcelona are unbeaten in La Liga since early October but despite pulling clear at the top of the table with a game in hand, Enrique insists a successful title defence is not a formality.

He said: "It is clear it is an important day for us to pick up three points against our closest rivals, but there is a long way to go.

"Every game presents its difficulties and you don't always overcome them in the most effective or spectacular way."