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One game at a time in decisive five days for Barca, says Enrique

Xinhua, March 17, 2015 Adjust font size:

FC Barcelona coach Luis Enrique is taking things one game at a time as his side face the most important five days of the season to date.

Barcelona entertain Manchester City on Wednesday night in the Camp Nou Stadium in the last 16 of the Champions League and will defend a 2-1 lead from the first leg just five days before they are at home to arch rivals Real Madrid in a game that could see them go four clear of Real at the top of the Spanish BBVA Primera Liga table.

While Real Madrid have the full week to prepare for the Barca game, Enrique will only start thinking about Madrid on Thursday, until then the Champions League will be his priority.

"At the moment there is just one game, which is the one we are playing tomorrow. I'm not interested in anything else. We're not looking at other opponents," he said in his pre-game press conference

While many see the Champions League tie as a problem for Barcelona ahead of a game that could decide the Spanish title, Enrique looked on the positive side.

"It's the best thing we could ask for. If we have to play tomorrow and on Sunday, fantastic. That's our menu for the week...and we can't change it," he said.

Enrique confirmed midfielder Sergio Busquets will be out on Wednesday, although Leo Messi has trained perfectly and added there was no change his side would sit back on their first leg lead.

"Our aim is to win," assured the Barca coach. "Dwelling on the previous result and assuming we'll go through is dangerous. We're only thinking about winning."

"We want the same work rate and performance as in the first leg. We created more chances than they did. Now we're playing at home, in front of our fans, and I hope we'll be just as effective," he concluded. Endi