Diego Forlan has claimed that Atletico Madrid have closed the gap on Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The Atletico legend scored 74 goals in 134 games for the club before moving to Inter Milan.

His former side experienced a positive start to their season, winning all three of their opening games to steer four and five points clear of Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

“Yes. Well, we have to see,” Forlan said, courtesy of La Liga when asked if Atletico can go all the way.

“I know that Real Madrid and Barcelona have great players but so do Atletico Madrid. They signed really good players, Joao Felix as I said, and Diego Costa is an experienced player, great talent.

“They’ve renewed the team with some great young players. They had a great pre-season and now we need to see how they do in the league. But they look really good. What they showed in the pre-season was interesting, great games against great teams.

“The derby against Real Madrid, I know it was a friendly but it was also a derby and nobody likes to lose by that kind of score [7-3].

“They’re going to be fighting [for the title], they always fight. The gap is getting a little closer now. And those players that made history for Real Madrid and Barcelona, they’re getting older as well. That could be an advantage for Atletico Madrid.

“Having a new team and renewing the team every season. Real Madrid and Barcelona are doing it a little slower than Atletico but they’re still in great shape. Great players with experience. We have to see, but I think Atletico Madrid are in a good position to fight for the title again.”