Barcelona, Feb 7 (IANS/EFE): Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba has said that when two direct rivals for the title race such as Real Madrid and Atletico de Madrid come face to face, it becomes even more important that his team win their match and collect all three points.

For this reason, he considers it key to take home three points from the San Mames Stadium Sunday, in the match against Atlethic Bilbao, although he warned it will not be easy.

"The have great, young players, who are very motivated. When they centre balls they are dangerous, and we will have to control it," he stated.

Alba has stressed that the team is "in the best form of the season" and assures that the institutional problems the club is facing is not affecting the squad.

"We are doing very well, we have distanced ourselves from all that and what is important is what happens on the pitch," he said.

The player also avoided other controversies during his appearance at a press conference Friday, including when he was asked about Neymar's birthday party attended by the full squad Thursday evening.

"It is a birthday and everyone celebrates birthdays. You also celebrate them, don't you?" he asked journalists.