Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has played down the importance of Sunday's game with Atletico Madrid.

Atletico go into the Barcelona game on Sunday just five points behind the LaLiga leaders.

"It's not a final for LaLiga," Valverde said to reporters.

"It will be an important three points to the winners, but not decisive."

Diego Simeone's side have been playing very well since the turn of the year, and Valverde is yet to beat his opposite number.

"Atletico defend very well," he continued.

"Sometimes quite deep, but often they will put pressure on high up the pitch at the beginning of a match.

"We are two strong teams and the three points are worth a lot."