Barcelona midfielder Xavi forsees Spain’s three-way title battle continuing until the end of the season following Saturday night’s goalless draw at the Vicente Calderon.
Barca and Atletico’s 0-0 keeps them level on 50 points for the season at the halfway stage but with Real Madrid taking on Espanyol on Sunday night, Los Blancos can close the gap to just three.
The next Madrid derby is on March 2, the second Clasico of the season is scheduled for March 29 while Barcelona host Atletico in the very last game of the term on May 18.
Given the consistency of the trio so far this season it could prove to be the title decider.
Xavi said: “Atletico are very strong and Real Madrid are always near the top. The three of us will be fighting until the end.
“Atletico are a great team. They have a completely different style to us, but they are very smooth and execute it perfectly.”
Xavi was also happy with his own team’s performance, refusing to reproach his team-mates for their inability to fashion more clear openings against Atletico’s extremely well-organised defence.
He added: “We dominated the game but Atletico are compact and physical, leaving very little space in the defence and it was an intense game – but we always knew that would be the case. In the final 15 or 20 minutes we played well and could have won the game but we couldn’t create more chances.”
Barca boss Tata Martino opted to start with Lionel Messi and Neymar on the bench, with the South American pair both being introduced in the second half to limited effect after recent spells on the sidelines.
Xavi has no concern over the physical health of his team-mates, saying: “They are both fine. Neymar and Leo are very important players for us and little by little they are getting back into top form.”
The match showcased the defensive strength Atletico have made their trademark under Diego Simeone, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois celebrating his 10th clean sheet of the season.
Captain Gabi said: “It’s the beauty of football; every team tries to play the game with their own style. We are a more defensive team and we fight.
“We’ve had an extraordinary first half of the season but we will continue to take it game by game.
“The best two teams in La Liga met today, and we’re happy with the result.”
