Alves respects Real and Man Utd

Dani Alves says Real Madrid and Manchester United rival his Barcelona side for the unofficial title of the best team in European football.

Barca are the reigning champions of Spain and Europe after defeating United in last season’s Champions League final.

This term they find themselves 10 points behind Real in La Liga, and Brazil fullback Alves has acknowledged Jose Mourinho’s men as one of the best teams around.

“Currently the best teams are us and Manchester United, the last (Champions League) finalists, but Madrid are also competing very well,” he told Mundo Deportivo.

The former Sevilla man was also quizzed on Barcelona’s priorities this season.

Despite trailing heavily in La Liga, the 28-year-old maintains domestic success is an aim for Barca.

“The Champions League is the most spectacular for what it means, but the league is just as important,” he said.

“Our priority is to win the league. It is the competition that is more difficult, the most elaborate. We will try to compete for all.”

Barca have already reached the final of the Copa del Rey, with a match against Athletic Bilbao set to be played in late May.

“It will be a tough game, Athletic have improved a lot,” Alves said.

“We look forward to enjoying the final as it took effort to get there and hurt after losing last year (to Real).”

“It is a wonderful opportunity to win it back.”

Barca are away to Atletico Madrid in the league on Sunday.