"The game was intense and Espanyol's defensive work was almost perfect”.

When Diego Simeone praises your work in defense, you’re probably doing something right. In fact, Quique Sanchez Flores is doing all the right things at Espanyol at the moment.

His team are eight games without defeat in LaLiga - something they haven’t managed since 2007/2008 - and in that period have faced some formidable opposition. Spain’s Europa League representatives in the shape of Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao both suffered the same fate as Atleti. Las Palmas, Alaves and Real Betis were all shut out on their own turf too. Then indeed came Atleti, who were handed what can easily be described as a taste of their own medicine.

"They played a good game defensively and we have sometimes done that too -- we have won [games] playing like Espanyol have”, conceded Simeone. There certainly are elements of his work in Sanchez Flores’ own process.

While the football Espanyol are playing isn’t of the edge of your seat variety, it is an improvement on last season - and, importantly, is producing results. Espanyol went eight games without a victory last season - this time around they’re eight games undefeated. That’s a stark progression in what has to be considered an early stage in Sanchez Flores’ tenure at the club. Slowly, and very steadily, he’s attempting to achieve something Espanyol has not had in a long time - an identity.

One encompassing a resolute, hard working system in which the team pulls together against all opponents. Motivation is a key factor for many clubs in Spain, the ability to test themselves against the big teams but also perform against those at their own level and lower. Real Sociedad and Valencia have this problem. Espanyol do too.

Sanchez Flores wants Espanyol to put in a performance each week. On few too many occasions over the years, Espanyol have ducked certain games. A Sunday night at a sleepy Cornella, facing a newly promoted side? Don't fancy that. Quique has addressed that issue with a stricter line of discipline at the club, and more intense training sessions. Worker harder there, has meant applying themselves more in real games.

This inspired run of form is largely down to a tough, focused, tenacious defensive unit. It not only incorporates defenders, but the entire team. Espanyol defend first and foremost - The rest comes later. Diego Lopez’s experience in goal has been vital. The former Real Madrid man has brought about a secure presence, who fills the rest of his defence with confidence. In front of him Diego Reyes has been a sensation. Last year at Real Sociedad he flourished and Espanyol did well to get hold of the Mexican. His partner has been David Lopez. By trade a defensive midfielder, he’s slipped into centre-back effortlessly. Both are strong and tough but also calm in possession. Full back and captain Víctor Sánchez has been revitalised and doesn’t look alone in his desire anymore. On the other flank there has been a surprise in the emergence of young Aaron Martin. A product of Espanyol’s academy, Aaron has been a vibrant presence, balancing both defensive and attacking duties perfectly.

Most teams have had a tough job finding that back five however, because in front of them are two resilient pieces in defensive midfield. Javi Fuego is an often underrated and deceptively intelligent deep lying midfielder. His partner Papa Diop knows the league well too. Physically he’s a vital presence, both quick and strong. But he’s another smart player who both holds his position well and knows when to offer timely support in attack. Even the attack has been helping out in defence, with Jurado and Pablo Piatti - the latter previously anything but active at Valencia - contributing in wide areas as extra cover for the full-backs.

This is not rocket science or a new concept that Sanchez Flores is professing at Espanyol. It’s something tried by many before, but few can truly grasp. Carving out that identity.

Atleti did exactly that and look where it took them. That end goal is a long way off for Espanyol, but for once at least they’re starting.