Atletico Madrid

Saul Niguez: 'Atletico Madrid can damage Barcelona'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 06 October 2017

Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez insists that his team "can damage" Barcelona in their La Liga meeting after the international break.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez has insisted that his team "can damage" Barcelona when the two teams meet in La Liga after the international break.

Barcelona have won all seven of their league matches this season to top the table on 21 points.

Atletico currently sit down in fourth position on 15 points, but the capital outfit are unbeaten in Spain's top flight this term, having won four and drawn three of their seven games.

Saul is aware of the danger of Lionel Messi, but the Spain international is confident that Atletico will inflict Barcelona's first defeat of the season.

"We know we can damage them," Saul told Marca. "Barcelona have made a very strong start, winning all their games but if we work together as a team, which is our strength, and are at 100% then we can win.

"If Messi is on top form and decides to go and win the game there is nothing you can do, there is no way of stopping him. But we have to defend as a team, knowing our discipline, positioning and work-rate because they have so much quality in attack."

Atletico were held to a goalless draw at Leganes in their last La Liga match on September 30.