Jordi Alba: Real Madrid should be more afraid of Messi than we are of Ronaldo

Posted Thursday, March 20, 2014 by YAHOO Sport

Jordi Alba has described Cristiano Ronaldo as "a beast" but says that Real Madrid should be more afraid of Lionel Messi than Barcelona is of the Portuguese.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's crucial Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Spain international acknowledged that Los Blancos' No.7 is capable of winning matches all on his own.

However, the left back still believes that Blaugrana teammate Messi will be the most dangerous attacking player on the pitch on Sunday night.

Indeed, when asked to pick the superior player during a press conference on Wednesday, Jordi Alba replied: "I would say Leo - and not just because I play on his team. I've thought that since I was at Valencia.

"Cristiano is a beast. He is very important for Real Madrid. When they are not having a good day, he always appears.

"But we have Leo and Madrid should be more afraid of him."

The inclusion of star summer signing Neymar in the Barca starting line-up is far from assured, with the Brazilian having struggled to reproduce his early-season form after a spell out injured.

Jordi Alba is in no doubt, though, that the attacker will shine if selected.

"Neymar has had a good season, even though he had his injury," the defender argued. "Who plays in the Clasico depends on the coach, but I think Neymar's done well.

"But with Pedro, Neymar or Alexis, my position is the same as always. Nothing changes in terms of how I play."

The game in the Spanish capital is of the utmost importance to Barca, given the Catalans currently sit third in La Liga, four points behind leader Madrid.

Carlo Ancelotti's men have been in scintillating form in 2014 but Jordi Alba does not think the Blaugrana should be viewed as underdogs, even though he is well aware of the challenge facing Tata Martino's men.

"There are no favorites in a Clasico like this," he declared. "And it will be a beautiful match to play in.

"Madrid are a great team. They have demonstrated this through their history and they are a team that, following the arrival of Ancelotti, I personally like a lot.

"We have to win at the Bernabeu. We have to forget about what happens with the referee or the fans. We just have to play a great game."