Vilanova: "We are fighting against the best Real Madrid side ever"

Tito Vilanova believes that the league is still very significant, even though his Barcelona side has held the advantage right from the start of the season. "I believe there is still life in this league, but we had such a tremendous first half to the season that it looked as if it had been won some time ago. But Real Madrid has had a very good second half of the season, and if we had let up at all, we would have had problems. We are fighting against what is said to be the finest Real Madrid side in history, the one that got 100 points", the Barcelona manager said.

This Sunday Barcelona will be visiting Atlético de Madrid's Vicente Calderón stadium for what will be a tricky encounter. Atlético will host Barcelona, but its players' minds will be on next Friday’s cup final against Real Madrid. Simeone might rest certain players and do some squad rotation. "I don't know", Vilanova went on. "It is a tough one to call. At times it is better to give them a run-out as they are then in better physical condition, and at others not to run risks so as to avoid injuries. But whoever ends up playing, it will be a good side".