Barça should focus on the Athletic before challenge against Milan

Barça should not focus only on his challenge against Milan, the visit of the 'Lions' is also key to la Liga.

Josep Guardiola warned in advance of the visit to San Siro that the club faces a decisive week in the Champions League and, with two crucial matchups at the Camp Nou. "If we fail to Milan and Athletic have lost the choice of two titles."

For that reason, Barça coach is warning his players not to focus only on the momentous return next Tuesday against the Italians since the visit of Athletic on Saturday, may also be key to this league.

Morning (20.00 h.), Madrid faces Osasuna in the Reyno, scene of the final defeat of Barcelona and in which the meringues will defend its 6 point lead.

The Navarre found in European positions and long stay in the elite, while whites have enjoyed a day of rest that culés. In addition, the return to the Apoel quarter will be a mere formality for Mourinho, after sentencing in Cyprus (0-3), avoiding any psychological strain.

Two hours later, the club, with an eye on the landmark visit next week at the Stadium AC Milan after a 0-0 draw in San Siro, host Athletic, the final outpost of the Copa del Rey teams that will compete in both the May 25 at the Calderón.

The azulgrana have, in theory, be measured with the advantage of a break hardly Athletic after last night's clash against Schalke 04 in the Europa League. And this match is that between Germany and the start of the visit to Camp Nou, they will only take 47 hours.

With this little room, Atletico coach, Marcelo Bielsa, has preferred that his players will not return to Bilbao. Last night they took a charter flight in Cologne for Barcelona. The Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I will be his headquarters. Bielsa has designed a workout this afternoon (19.00 pm), closed at the Mini-Estadi.

The Basques end and to prepare his game against a Barça did that already suffer a great time in the first round. A Leo Messi goal in minute 91, avoided defeat azulgrana in San Mamés (2-2). Athletic deserves as much respect as Milan. The Champions League and inevitably go to the Camp Nou. (via MD)