The full-back is upset by the belief that Los Blancos have thrown the title away, arguing that both the Rojiblancos and the Blaugrana would make for worthy winners
Juanfran has admitted that he “hates” that some pundits are suggesting that Real Madrid have gifted La Liga to Atletico or Barcelona.
After the Catalans’ 2-2 draw at home to Getafe and Atleti’s shock 2-0 loss at Levante last weekend, Los Blancos knew that victory over Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday night and a midweek win at Vallodlid in their game in hand on their two title rivals would have seen them draw level on points with the Rojiblancos at the top of the table.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men drew both games, though, meaning that the title is now in the hands of both Barca and Atletico, who meet on the final day of the season at Camp Nou.
Consequently, Juanfran is upset by the idea that no matter what happens in Catalunya on Sunday week, there will be those who feel that La Liga will have been lost by Madrid, rather than won by either the Blaugrana or Atleti.
“I hate that people think that,” the 29-year-old defender told reporters. “If Madrid don’t win the league and Atleti or Barca do, it will be because these teams have been better.
“Madrid will try until the end because they have the players and staff to do so. Otherwise, it will be a demerit for Madrid and a merit for Barca or Atletico.
“I have said very clearly I don’t like it when people say that if Madrid don’t win it’s because they lost it, not that we won it. If we win this league it will show that Atletico has been better this year.
“If Barca win in the last game then it will be their achievement, too, and if Madrid win, it will be clear that they deserve it and I can’t detract from a team because people think or try to belittle another.”
Presuming Barca beat Elche and Atletico see off Malaga this weekend, Diego Simeone’s side would go into next weekend’s trip to Camp Nou with their three-point lead still intact.
Consequently, while a final-day defeat would see the Catalans nick the title on account of a superior head-to-head record, having claimed a draw at the Vicente Calderon earlier this season, a draw would be enough for the Rojiblancos.
However, Juanfran insists that Atletico would not make the mistake of playing for a point against Barca.
“It would be a mistake to think we can draw, because in two moves, Andres [Iniesta] or Leo [Messi] can win the game and we go home with nothing,” the full-back said.
“I had a bad time watching at Levante. It was a very sad day. I’m looking forward to helping the team win.”