Atletico Madrid will have to be at their best to defeat Barcelona when the two sides meet in Saturday’s huge La Liga clash, according to full-back Juanfran.
The Blaugrana have won all seven league fixtures to date this season although Atleti are also unbeaten and sit fourth having won four La Liga clashes to date.
“We can beat them but we have to be at our best,” Juanfran told an interview with Marca.
“Barcelona have a great team and some fantastic players – Messi makes the difference, Iniesta has rediscovered his best form, Busquets and Jordi Alba are both excellent…
“We have to counter their strengths and believe in ourselves, to concentrate and be on top of our game but even then they can hurt you.
“As a team we must be excellent to win but Barcelona are not just Messi, they are a team of stars and have enjoyed an incredible start to the league.
“Costa? He has started well and has brought us joy even though he cannot yet play. He will make a big difference for us but for now we must concentrate on the present and aim for as many points as possible.”
