‘Need to take our chances’

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez urged his team to improve their finishing against Atletico Madrid on Sunday in La Liga, where they will be without top goalscorer Robert Lewandowski.

The Polish forward has 13 goals in the top flight but will miss the first of three matches suspended following a red card against Osasuna in November before the World Cup break.

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After Barcelona appealed against his ban he was allowed to feature in the 1-1 draw against Espanyol last weekend but his punishment was later upheld.

Barcelona lead the league on goal difference ahead of Real Madrid, but the reigning champions can move ahead with a win at Villarreal on Saturday. Atletico, fourth, have not been at their best this season but Xavi anticipated a tricky encounter.

"(Simeone's) teams are defensively very well drilled. Atletico have virtually no defensive holes, we have to take advantage of our chances as we won't have many," said Xavi.