Joao Miranda has reflected that Atletico Madrid will prioritise getting a good result at home against Barcelona, over playing well.
Atleti host the Catalans on Wednesday evening in the first leg of the Supercopa de Espana in a game for the first trophy of the 2013-14 season.
“The finals are different. There is a different spirit,” reflected Miranda this week in conversation with Reuters.
“I believe that in the final you have to play well, but that it is more important to win, because people forget about the match and just remember who won the final.
“We should play well to win, but winning is the most important aspect.
“Barcelona are the favourite, they have a great team, their players are practically the best out there today and all their players are internationals.
“We have the opportunity to face a great team, in a final, and the first leg we play in our ground.
“We have to take advantage of this and if possible leave the first match with a win. It is most important for us to do well at home.
“Barcelona have several dangerous players – Messi, Iniesta, Xavi – from the midfield to the frontline they are all quality players.
“But we also have a good team. It should be noted that we were brilliant last season. We know that now this is a final, we have to play well, but we cannot forget what we did last season.
“People forget quickly and we will have to prove this season again that we have a lot of quality. We are going to have a great season.”
