Barcelona's Paco Alcacer says Atletico Madrid are bigger rivals than Real Madrid to win La Liga

Barcelona summer signing Paco Alcacer has appeared to take a dig at Real Madrid after claiming that Atletico Madrid are the Catalans biggest rivals to recapture La Liga title. Meanwhile, the former Valencia striker has hailed his decision to move to the Nou Camp during the summer transfer window despite the fact he is yet to score a goal.

The Catalans have conquered the La Liga crown in the last two seasons – after only losing to Atletico Madrid in the last game of the 2013-2014 after being held to a draw by Los Colchoneros.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have won two Champions League in the last three campaigns but have failed to replicate the same fortunes in the league since Jose Mourinho led them to the title in the 2011-2012 campaign.

It looks that the new season is also going to be a battle between the three Spanish giants as Atletico are currently leading the table only due goal difference with Real Madrid. Sevilla, meanwhile, are surprisingly in third position of the table after seven games while Barcelona are fourth, two points behind the two Madrid teams.

But when asked during an interview with Cope which club Barcelona fear more ahead of La Liga title, Alcacer replied: "I think both. They have a different style but I think Atletico Madrid are doing better and the truth is right now they are more difficult to beat due to their style of play. It's clear that Simeone's style is tough, always looking for the win."

Alcacer arrived to Barcelona in the dying days of the transfer window in order to serve as back-up for Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. Luis Enrique's side had been previously knocked back by the likes of Luciano Vietto, Kevin Gameiro, Gabriel Jesus, Nolito, Hatem Ben Arfa and Ousmane Dembele previously due to their reluctance to play second fiddle to the MSN triumvirate. The Spaniard, however, said that he couldn't turn down the opportunity to move to the Nou Camp.

"It's tough to say no to Barcelona. I'm from Valencia and it wasn't an easy decision, but I think for any player it's a step forward in their career and I think I did the right thing. I've always said Valencia have given me everything and I've got to where I am thanks to them." Alcacer admitted he has endured a difficult start to life at Barcelona, having failed to find the net in his first five appearances for the club. "All strikers want to score goals but I've always said it's more important to stay calm," he said.