Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone was delighted with their 3-1 win against Athletic Bilbao.
The result strengthens their top four chances.
Simeone said: "It wasn't a final, there are still games ahead. We have to improve. I think we did a very good collective and defensive job. We had some and we were strong, it was a very serious game.
"Humility is the key to this team. When they have the humility to interpret the game and give their all, good things always happen. The team is much more important than the individual. We have very good footballers, but when they play as a team, they are better."
On the alleged racial insults for Athletic striker Nico Williams, he added: "It's a social problem, not a stadium problem. If we can improve in life, we will improve in the settings where there are people. I hope it improves, but it depends on everyone."