'The feelings are better than with Luis Enrique's treble'

La Liga leaders Barcelona take on Serie A outfit Roma in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash on Wednesday and ahead of the showdown, Alba spoke candidly about his team's fight for silverware on three fronts this season.

He told reporters: "The feelings are even better than with the treble under Luis Enrique. We have a very good line and are on the right track".

During the 2014-15 campaign, the Catalan giants won everything: La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey. However, the Spanish defender believes this year's team is even better.

Touching upon the defensive levels within Ernesto Valverde's side, Alba said: "We are aware that we have a great squad and that if we are at our level we have a chance to win.

"Roma is a very difficult team, a good team, very compact, which will surely put us in difficulties. Keeping a clean sheet will be key so the support of the fans will be vital.

The last time the Italian side visited the Camp Nou, 'Los Cules' won comfortably and the 29-year-old wants a similar showing on Wednesday: "Hopefully the 6-1 scoreline from the last encounter can be repeated, but they are in good form and are a better team [than before]".

Alba also addressed the rumours concerning fellow defender Samuel Umtiti's future: "[He] is a player who has grown a lot since he arrived. He is a top player which makes the team much better. He is very committed". 

April 3, 2018