Atletico Madrid defender Juanfran has said that if Atletico Madrid win La Liga it will be on merit and not because rivals Real Madrid have lost it.
Los Blancos have drawn games against against Real Valladolid and Valencia in recent weeks to slip four points adrift of Atletico at the top of La Liga.
"I hate that people think [like that]. If Madrid don't win the league and Atleti or Barca do it will be because these teams have been better," Juanfran told reporters.
"Madrid will try until the end because they have the players and staff to do so. Otherwise it will be a demerit for Madrid and a merit for Barca or Atletico.
"I have said very clearly I don't like it when people say that if Madrid don't win it's because they lost it, not that we won it. If we win this league it will show that Atletico has been better this year."
Atletico host Malaga on Sunday before they face Barcelona in a potential title decider on the final day.
Benjamin Topliss
