Barcelona Boss Ernesto Valverde Feeling 'Positive' After Draw Against Atletico Madrid

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has expressed his satisfaction at Saturday night's 1-1 La Liga draw against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The Blaugrana maintained their unbeaten start to the season thanks to a late Luis Suarez header, having gone behind in the first half to an excellent Saul Niguez strike.

And Valverde has insisted that avoiding defeat against Diego Simeone's side was a 'positive' result.

"I have a positive feeling from the game," he said, quoted by Goal. "We must value a point against a great rival who had taken the lead — Atletico normally manage their lead very well.

"In the first half, we found it difficult to make chances. After half-time, we were able to break up the game. We were more exposed, but we had more chances.

"[After the equaliser] we had chances to win the match, too. It was a great game in general, with a great atmosphere."

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/GettyImages

Suarez's goal was only his third of the campaign, but there were encouraging signs of improvement from the Uruguayan in the second half.

"Suarez did very well, even apart from goal," Valverde added. "The confidence of forwards can change very quickly — especially when they score. He worked very well in the area and hopefully he can go on a good run."

JAVIER SORIANO/GettyImages

Suarez, meanwhile, admitted Barcelona could have left the Spanish capital with more than just a solitary point.

"In the second half, we had many chances and deserved more than the draw," he said. "I'm happy to score the goal, but it's more important to help the team so they do not lose. I always try to help."