Saturday 3 December 2016 14:13, UK
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique accepted his side are more in need of the three points when Real Madrid visit the Nou Camp on Saturday in El Clasico.
Real hold a six-point lead over Barca, who are off to their worst La Liga start in nine seasons, at the top of the table.
"Without a doubt [Barca are the most in need], you just have to look at the table," Luis Enrique said.
Back-to-back draws against Malaga and Real Sociedad for Barca have allowed Madrid to amass a comfortable lead.
And Enrique even described Barca's display at Sociedad last weekend as the worst of his three seasons in charge.
However, he insisted the Spanish champions, in top form, remain the best team in the world.
"There are good teams at a high level, but none of them are better than us," the Barca boss said.
"That is what makes me optimistic."
Barca also received a huge injury boost on Friday when captain Andres Iniesta was cleared to make his return after six weeks out with a knee injury.
"Iniesta is our captain and a reference point for Barca's style," added Enrique.
"It is great news for the person that he is and what he represents as captain."
Madrid have gone 32 games unbeaten in all competitions since April, but Enrique expects Los Blancos to defend deep and aim to hit Barca on the counter-attack.
"I expect Madrid to play as they have done since the start of the season and last year, they have no problem in leaving the ball to the opposition and we need it, Enrique added. "In that sense we understand each other.
"They take advantage of set-pieces, quick transitions, few touches and the efficiency of their players in the final third. We need more control to create spaces and chances."
