Diego Godin believes there is no reason for Atletico Madrid to feel inferior to Barcelona ahead of their Champions League tie.
La Liga’s top two meet in the quarter-final first-leg at Camp Nou on Tuesday with the return taking place a week later.
Godin told a Press conference that he expects a hard game and warned against reading anything into the previous meetings between the teams this season.
“It’s going to be extremely difficult because of the rival, of course,” the defender said.
“It’ll be different to the Super Cup because it’s happening at a different moment in time.
“Back then, the season was starting and it’s almost ending now. Both teams have been through a lot.”
Godin added that Atletico feel on bar with Barca but said he felt Barca are the favourites.
“We don’t feel less than anyone. Never, but if you look at the tie then the clear favourite is Barca,” he insisted.
“But we know our weapons and we know that with them we can hurt them very much.
“We’re very confident in the road we have taken to win the matches against these great teams.
“We haven’t changed the way we play for two years and the performances keep getting better.
“The team is the key to our success.
“We’re hopeful, eager, and on top form physically and we keep showing it.
“That’s what’s important, to be physically well, with high spirits and confidence.
“Obviously there are difficult games ahead and the game will have a lot of physical wear, but it’s the same we’ve had all year, playing every three or four days.
“We’re going to keep fighting until the end.”
Godin paid a glowing tribute to Diego Costa and predicted more to come from the Spain international.
“He keeps growing. He still hasn’t found his limit because he improves daily, match-by-match. It’s amazing,” Godin said.
“He’s our soul, a player that gives us everything.
“Sometimes things aren’t happening and he can open the match with his strength, his technique, with everything he has.”
Godin also praised Barca for the season they’re having and argued that the Catalans’ past success will be a factor for the remainder of the campaign.
“It’s true it’s been said Barca’s game was uncertain, but here they are,” Godin went on.
“They’re in the Champions League quarter-final, the Cup final and they’re fighting for the League.
“Barca are in a great moment now and very confident after winning the derby.
“All the players have great quality and they have been playing together as a team for many years and doing it very well. They know each other.”
