Alejandro Grimaldo opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Giuliano Simeone doubled the advantage after the interval, with Atlético producing a strong second-half performance to secure all three points at the Ciutat de València.
The victory also provided Simeone with another significant personal achievement, although the Argentine was quick to share the recognition with those who have supported him throughout his time at the club.
“I don't feel it belongs to me personally, but that it should be shared. I think about the moment when Miguel Ángel believed in me, despite the fact that I had no experience in Europe beyond my time at Catania. Without that opportunity and that support, we would not have reached this point, nor would I be who I am today.
“I am absolutely grateful to the players. Their commitment and their willingness to play according to a plan have reinforced my position. I give thanks in every match because spending 15 years at a club is not easy. I am grateful to everyone, and without all of them I would never have reached this point.”
Simeone was particularly pleased with the way Atletico Madrid adapted to a difficult opening before taking control of the contest.
“The match started tough and difficult, as we knew it would. Jan made a good save and we began to understand where we could hurt them. There was Morten's disallowed goal and Grimaldo's goal, and we continued to understand where the match was going.
“It was a great second half. Those who watch us train know that we had worked on it. Then there was Baena's vision and Giuliano's run. We need everyone.”
The Atlético manager also played down the significance of his team's position at the top of the table, insisting that the campaign remained in its early stages.
“It is just a moment. The league is very long and we know the road we have to travel. Match by match, but with the humility of understanding what lies ahead. I keep saying that we are still under construction and must find the partnerships that allow us to continue along this path.”
Simeone believes his current squad has greater collective strength than previous versions of the team, highlighting the defensive organisation that has allowed his attacking players to flourish.
“The team has more capacity than in previous years. Today we also achieved it without Cuti. We are allowing ourselves to have the collective work that, in turn, allows the players further forward to demonstrate what they have.”
Grimaldo's contribution was another source of satisfaction for the coach, who explained that the defender's commitment had impressed him before joining Atlético.
“We knew when we spoke with him, in a conversation where I liked the commitment he showed towards playing for Atlético. We wanted the Bayer player. He has an attacking pattern that allows us to break lines, he has the responsibility to take penalties, and hopefully he continues like this because he will have plenty of work in the coming matches.”
Levante coach Luis Castro had already identified the improvement in Atlético ahead of the fixture, describing them as a stronger and more tactically versatile opponent than last season.
“This is a very different Atlético from last season. Both collectively and individually, in my opinion and that of my staff, they are better. They have more solutions, they haven't lost key players and they have managed to keep them. When you don't sell players and bring others into the group, you improve.”
Castro also emphasised Atlético's tactical flexibility, believing their ability to adapt had contributed to their strong league campaign.
The result reinforced Simeone's belief that his side is progressing, although he remains determined to avoid complacency as Atlético pursue further success.