With the chance to get above Real Madrid on the minds of Simeone’s players ahead of kick off they suffered a major setback.
Midfield star Pablo Barrios was sent off after just seven minutes following a late challenge on Pablo Duran.
That completely changed the hosts game plan and they held out until the 68th minute as Iago Aspas converted from the penalty spot.
However, the hosts did rescue a point, to move one behind Los Blancos as Alexander Sorloth came off the bench to bury a late equaliser.
Simeone said he was inspired by how his players resisted following a direct red card for midfielder Pablo Barrios and managed a late equaliser through Alexander Sorloth to cancel out Iago Aspas' goal.
"If I had to give a grade from 1 to 10, I should definitely give my players a 10," Simeone said at the press conference.
"To play almost 90 minutes with a man down is something I've seen very few times and they managed to defend well, they controlled the attacks of an opponent who plays aggressively up front.
They had few chances, except for the penalty, but they managed to equalize, and we were encouraged to play for victory with what we had left in the tank. It was an obstacle that was put in front of us, but we passed it and that will make us stronger.
The boys are in a good moment and what I saw there after the red card were gladiators... Ninety minutes with one less, you know? It's very, very hard..."
Atletico Madrid squandered a golden chance to take first place in LaLiga, after leaders Real Madrid drew 1-1 at Osasuna on Saturday.
Real are in first place in the standings with 51 points, one point more than Atletico in second place. With a game in hand, Barcelona are in third place with 48 points and will meet sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
