Coach Diego Simeone insists Atletico Madrid can compete with Barcelona - but his only focus this weekend is on beating Deportivo A Coruna.
Atletico go into the weekend in second place in LaLiga, five points behind Barcelona and one ahead of Real Madrid, who play each other on Sunday in the first Clasico of the season.
On Barca, who failed to win for the first time this season when they were beaten in the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, Simeone told a press conference: "Yes, it's possible to compete.
"You can always compete. That doesn't change the fact that they have a great team."
The 56-year-old refused to answer questions on the Clasico, saying: "We have to focus on tomorrow's match.
"Deportivo A Coruna has been competing very well in all the matches they've played. We already faced them in the cup last season and it was a tough match for us."
Atletico will bid for a sixth straight league win while Deportivo sit in ninth place in the table and have failed to win any of their last five matches.
The clash will be a reunion for Simeone with defender Jose Maria Gimenez, who is on loan at Deportivo this season after 13 years with Atletico.
"I can't separate the person from the opponent, the man who helped me in the locker room," said Simeone.
"He's one of the most important centre-backs to have played for Atletico Madrid. I wish him all the best after Saturday."
Atletico have been dealt a blow with midfielder Johnny Cardoso ruled out through injury, while Koke and Cuti Romero are also expected to miss out, although Lee Kang-in is fit again.