Raphinha sends message of respect to Atlético ahead of Sunday's clash

At the event marking his contract extension, Raphinha spoke about Sunday's showdown with great caution and respect towards Atlético. Rubén Uría took him at his word and issued a warning: Barça arrive with absentees, but so did Bayern Munich, and they ended up winning the game.

FC Barcelona have celebrated Raphinha's contract extension, and the Brazilian was asked, as captain, how the dressing room is approaching the match against Atlético de Madrid after what happened last season.

Raphinha answered cautiously: eleven against eleven, both sides want the three points. He recalled that they won the last game there despite being knocked out, and maintained that, since he arrived, his record at Atlético de Madrid's ground has been more positive than negative. He considers Simeone's side one of the best around at the moment, but trusts in the strength of his own squad when it is focused and united.

Rubén Uría pointed out that the player stressed his respect for Atleti no fewer than three times: they know perfectly well that last year they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. And he issued a warning to the fans: Barça come in with absentees, but Bayern Munich also had absentees, and we all know how that ended.