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Real Sociedad boss: Messi is unique, but we have the belief to beat Barca

  /  autty

Barcelona can relax a little domestically following their victory over Atletico Madrid, yet Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil believes his team can rise above the unique figure of Lionel Messi and defeat the Catalan giants on Saturday.

Los Cules qualified for the Champions League semi-final with a 3-0 victory over Manchester United on Tuesday, however now must turn their focus back to LaLiga Santander before they face Liverpool.

"Messi is unique, but we have the belief that we can win," Imanol explained in his pre-match press conference.

"They have only lost four games in four years, they always compete, but despite that we have to play with personality.

"We have to believe we can win, otherwise it will be very difficult."

Ernesto Valverde rested players ahead of the Manchester United clash, yet the Real Sociedad coach is unsure whether or not his opposite number will make the same decision on Saturday.

"I don't know," Imanol confirmed. "Whoever they put out there will make a great team, with a very high level.

"We have to be clear about what we need to do, we have to do a lot of things well because their numbers at home are superhuman."

La Real achieved victory at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu earlier this season, and the club dreams that a repeat result at the Camp Nou isn't farfetched.

"Both are great teams, with great players," Imanol admitted.

"However, we we're able to win in Madrid and now we'll see if we can do it in Barcelona."