Rakitic demands Barca caution

Ivan Rakitic has warned Barcelona of Atletico Madrid's increased pressing at home ahead of their Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg next week.

The Catalans drew first blood at Camp Nou on Wednesday courtesy of Lionel Messi's late penalty, but the Croat believes Los Colchoneros will pose a more difficult threat in the return fixture.

We must be prepared for the return leg. The 1-0 benefits us, but it's still all very open. They press much more at home. It'll be very difficult,” he told Barca TV.

“We played a very complete game. The objective is to progress into the semifinals and continue in our current trajectory.

What matters now is the match against Elche. We want to continue like we have in recent weeks. We must be strong and be prepared for what's coming.

“The goals will come for Luis [Suarez], but his work is very positive. He's a very important player for us.

“Everything is improving. The team have been on the right tracks in recent weeks, and it's been very positive. We have to go on like this.”

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