Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone praised his team's quick start to the game after they won 5-0 at Las Palmas on Saturday afternoon, while admitting an injury to defender Jose Maria Gimenez ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at Real Madrid.
A super-focused Atletico were ahead on just two minutes through fit again Kevin Gameiro, with Saul Niguez and Gameiro again having the visitors 3-0 up with just over a quarter hour played.
Substitute Thomas Partey and Fernando Torres added to the scoreline late on, as Atletico moved three points ahead of Sevilla in the battle for third spot, ahead of the Andalusians' game at local rivals Malaga on Monday evening.
After his team's biggest away win in La Liga for 66 years, the Colchoneros coach told the postmatch news conference that his team had showed laudable mental strength in bouncing back well from their midweek 1-0 defeat at home to Villarreal.
"We understood very well how we had to play today," Simeone said. "And we quickly found what we were looking for. The goal early conditioned the game, but Las Palmas have been getting good results at home.
"Our performance was very good. Today we began the game very strongly, strong, organised, and countering quickly. I do not tire of praising these players.
"Four days ago we lost a game, and today they came out and settled the game in just 18 minutes. That speaks to the word 'team' which makes this club great. I enjoyed what the team did in the game."
The downer from the game for Atletico was a left hamstring injury for Jose Maria Gimenez, who has filled in well at right-back in recent games. With specialists Sime Vrsaljko and Juanfran Torres both currently sidelined, Simeone looks likely to have to reshuffle again and bring in either young versatile defender Lucas Hernandez or midfielder Thomas Partey.
"We will see what Jose has," Simeone said. "And whatever happens we will find a solution for our game on Tuesday."
Speaking on BeIn Sports after his first start for Atletico since mid-March, double goal scorer Gameiro said he was feeling ready now for the rest of the season and hoping his former side Sevilla slipped up soon.
"I feel good, better every day, although I am not yet at 100 percent," Gameiro said. "I am ready now for the end of the season.
"It is easier when you score so early in the game. We did our job today and remain on our path in La Liga. It is very important for us [to finish third] but we know it will be difficult until the end of the season, as Sevilla are a good team too. I hope they do not beat Malaga."