MADRID: Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara has admitted that his side are desperate to finally mathematically seal the La Liga title this weekend when they travel to face Atletico Madrid.
The Catalans have been on the brink of sealing their fourth championship in five years for a number of weeks, but will have matters in their own hands for the first time tomorrow and could even be crowned champions 24 hours earlier if Real Madrid slip-up away to Espanyol.
And Thiago insists that their disappointment at being hammered in the semi-finals of the Champions League by Bayern Munich will not dampen Barca’s celebrations at regaining the title they lost to Real last season. “We value the league a lot, we have been fighting for it since the start,” he told the club’s website.
“Last year we lost it and we want to get it back. The league is precious and we are longing for it.
“When you become used to something it seems like you don’t value it. From the inside I can say that it is very difficult to face and win so many games.”
Atletico ensured they will definitely play Champions League football next season but Thiago doesn’t believe that will take an edge off their game with places in the Copa del Rey final team against Real next week still to play for.
“The most important game is our one, independent of what Madrid do,” he added. AFP
