'It's not a final, but it's a very important game'

"FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are two strong teams who are fighting for the title. The three points are highly valuable, because it's a game between teams in first and second place," Valverde admitted in his pre-match press conference.

"If they win they close the gap, it we win we extend our advantage. We're treating it like a final, but analysing it rationally it isn't one.

Atletico trail Barca by just five points, but Valverde insists his side will be going for the win at the Camp Nou on Sunday afternoon, rather than settling for the draw.

“We have the intention of leaving Atletico Madrid 8 points behind us. That would be a big leap up in the standings. Now the games are being counted down, not added up."

Atletico Madrid have leaked the fewest goals of any LaLiga side this season, conceding just 11 in 27 games and Valverde insisted that Barca will have to be on their guard to get a favourable result.

"The defend very well, both at the back and when they press high," he explained. "They are very dangerous on the counter as well, as they use space very well. They have great passers of the ball, such as Koke, and we will have to watch out for these situations.

"We will compete at a high level, just as we have done against other strong opponents this season. I have the feeling that the team will respond.

Finally, the former Athletic Bilbao boss called on the Barca fans to roar their side to victory in such a key clash.

“We will need to go all-out if we are going to win the match. I'm sure that the fans at the Camp Nou will cheer us on. We need their support, both in the good times and the bad during the game."