FCBARCELONA.CAT

27.02.2009 14:01

"We cannot let Real Madrid gain more ground"

Jordi Clos

Touré Yaya does not think that Barcelona can allow Real Madrid to make up any more ground and is confident that they can maintain their lead at the top of the table this weekend at Atlético de Madrid.

The entire squad is aware of the importance of winning in the Vicente Calderón on Sunday and Touré is relishing the prospect of returning to league action. "It is very important that we win," he said. "Atlético have a great team and we will have to be at our best to triumph. We also know that it will not be easy, but we cannot let Madrid gain any more ground on us."

Attractive and entertaining

"I think it will be an attractive and entertaining game," Touré continued. "We know that Sergio Agüero could cause us problems, but they also have great players like Diego Forlán, Maxi and Maniche.

"We know that there is a long way to go in the league and we have to be very focussed in every match. For both me and the rest of the players winning the title this term is very important."

A good draw

Barça may not have won any of their last three games, but that has not affected confidence at all, Touré believes. "After the derby [against Espanyol] it was not easy to play Lyon, who are a great side, but the draw was very good. The second leg will be different. In the last three games our opponents have broken up the play a lot and committed a number of fouls and if teams are going to keep doing this then we will have to stay focussed on our task."