Alves: We will fight until the end

Barcelona defender Dani Alves has insisted his side will fight for the La Liga title until the end.

The Catalan giants have closed the gap on Real Madrid to seven points with Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Sevilla, but Real have the chance to increase the distance when they host Malaga on Sunday.

After Barca’s weekend victory, coach Pep Guardiola said the chances of a Real slip-up were very slim and, as such, he thought retaining their Liga crown was no longer possible.

“That is his opinion and everyone is entitled to that, but we will continue to compete,” Alves said.

“There is always a meaning to everything that the coach says. Ask him about what he said. We will keep fighting.”

“The gap is considerable, but tough matches are coming up for Madrid and for ourselves, and we will make an assessment only in the end.”

“We represent the best team in the world and we have to honour this shirt in every match.”

The Brazilian defender stressed he is not thinking about a potential Champions League final against Real.

“It does not matter to me who we can face in the final,” he said. “We have to see off AC Milan without thinking beyond that.”

“We must be very focused and alert to prepare the tie because Milan are a very tough opponent.”