Guardiola urges Barca to beat Real for Spanish title

Madrid, April 21 (Xinhua-ANI): FC Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola admitted Friday that his side are obliged to defeat Real Madrid in Saturday's "Clasico" if they are to have any chance of retaining the La Liga title.

Real Madrid travel to Barca's Camp Nou Stadium with a 4-point lead at the top of the table and should they win that lead would open to seven points with just four games to play.

Even a draw would see Real Madrid maintain their 4-point advantage and Guardiola was under no illusions over what his side has to do on the pitch on Saturday.

"If Madrid win or draw them the league is theirs. All we can do is win and if we don't win, then there will be a league champion. We will congratulate them and prepare for next season," said Guardiola.

"If we do win then we will be a point behind and even then the title will still be in their hands. Although this is a chance to give a bit more life to my side," he continued.

Guardiola said that he expected Madrid to try and attack Barcelona in the Camp Nou, although many think that they will try and play a defensive game.

"Madrid always create more problems than any other side and they always play well, if you beat them or not," he warned, highlighting the rival's flexibility and ability to alter tactics.

Guardiola also looked at the battle between Barca's Leo Messi and Madrid forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, both of whom have scored 41 league goals this season. He insisted that both strikers had been incredible throughout the year.

Finally commented on questions about Real Madrid's last visit to Barcelona, in the Spanish Supercup at the end of the season, which saw Madrid coach Jose Mourinho assault Barca assistant coach Tito Vilanova by sneaking around behind him and sticking a finger in his eye.

"I don't have good memories of recent Barca-Madrid games, when we have both won and lost. They have not been nice and there are many things I have not understood, but which happened. A lot of people will be watching us tomorrow," said Guardiola.

Once again Real Madrid coach, Mourinho failed to give his pre- match conference, leaving the duties to his assistant Aitor Karanka, who said that they would show a positive attitude and try to score goals. He also looked to prepare the possible use of a refereeing error to explain any defeat by saying there were things in Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium that at times cannot be controlled. (Xinhua-ANI)