Robert Lewandowski: 'Essential' for Barcelona to beat Atletico Madrid

Barcelona find themselves in a challenging position in the league, trailing leaders Real Madrid and Girona by four points.

With each match growing in significance, the upcoming weekend fixture becomes crucial for the Catalans, who cannot afford to drop any more points in their pursuit of the league title.

This weekend's encounter poses an added challenge as Barcelona faces a formidable opponent flying high in the league standings. The adversary, sharing the same points tally of 31 with Barcelona but having played one fewer game, intensifies the pressure on Xavi's squad.

While the entire team's collective effort is imperative, all eyes will be on the Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski. The prolific goal-scorer has not replicated the goal tally from the previous season, making his resurgence to top form a priority for Barcelona's title defence.

"Barcelona must take a step forward. It is essential to win, especially mentally," said Lewandowski, as quoted by SPORT.

"Now two very important games are coming and we have to be able to win the six points.

"We are Barca, playing at home. We can win, and we have to go for it from the first minute.

"The fans can help us to be fired up; they are very important to us."

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