Atletico Madrid are Barca’s great rivals this year

radamel falcao from atletico

FC Barcelona are not ruling anyone out in the fight for the league title, but at this stage of the season they believe that Atletico Madrid are more of a rival than Real Madrid. The Barca players have been surprised by the performance that Diego Simeone and his team are offering and although they welcome the 11 points difference they have over the whites, the real danger this year seems to lie with Atletico Madrid.

In fact, most believe that the game this weekend between Real Madrid and Atletico is a great opportunity for both teams to leave points on the table and let Barca ride off into the distance. Jordi Alba, Xavi, Pique, Cesc, Busquets and Iniesta had a few words to say:

Jordi Alba
“Atletico is a serious alternative for taking the league title and it is showing”

“Barca does not have to look at any clubs other than its own. While we keep on winning, we’ll be fine. Atletico are three points behind us and is having a great season, and Real Madrid are 11 points adrift. It’s true, we are at the top of the table but there is still a lot of league to go and we can not be too over confident”, said Jordi Alba yesterday after a light training session.

The wingback had more praise for Atletico Madrid, who he greatly respects:

“Atletico finished last season very well and now is proving to be an alternative to take the league title this year. At the drop of a hat they could find themselves at the top of the table. We cannot dismiss any rival let alone Atletico Madrid who are right behind us. I also think a club like Real Madrid will fight to the very last game, because it is a very important competition and they’ll want to fight for all the trophies.”

Xavi Hernandez
“Atletico is stronger than Real Madrid, it was unexpected”

Xavi Hernandez was surprised by Atletico’s recent figures and said the aim of Barca should now be to extend the margin with Atletico: “Atletico is very strong and we were not expecting that. They are getting good results and know how to play. We have to focus on ourselves, but the intention is to widen the gap with Atletico, “said the midfielder. He added: “They are holding our pace and are stronger than Real Madrid.”

Sergio Busquets
“Our main opponent is Atletico and hopefully their bubble will burst”

Gerard Pique called for caution and reminds us of Guardiola’s first year in charge. “We were also 11 points in the lead but then had to go to the Santiago Bernabeu to win the league.” The tall defender referred to the next game between Real Madrid and Atletico: “A draw would not be bad.”

Iniesta also referred to second placed Atletico: “The league will dictate what happens, but the nearest rival is Atletico. They are doing very well and are candidates for the title.”

Meanwhile Barcelona defender Dani Alves will be out of action for up to three weeks after injuring his right thigh muscle.The Brazilian stretched his right femoral biceps in the team’s 4-0 away win over Levante on Sunday according to a statement on the club’s official website.

About Barca Blogger

My name's Steve aka Barca Blogger and one of the founding members of the team at Barcelonafcblog.com. I've been around since the blog started and we aim to bring you the most up to date information on this great club.

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  1. Información Bitacoras.com…

    Valora en Bitacoras.com: Barcelona FC believe that its main rivals to challenge for this year’s league title is Atletico Madrid and not Real Madrid. With Atletico Madrid just 3 points behind Barca, they have emerged as serious contenders for this yea….