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Allegri: We have to believe we can beat Barcelona

Cape Town - Juventus head coach Massimo Allegri feels Barcelona's surprise defeat to Malaga means nothing, ahead of their UEFA Champions League tie.

The Serie A champions face off against the Spanish giants who missed a chance to close the gap on Spanish Primera League leaders Real Madrid, after their 2-0 loss on Saturday, with Real having been held to a 1-1 draw by Atletico Madrid.

Nonetheless, Allegri said Luis Enrique's side will be at their usual best when they face off on Tuesday at the Juventus Stadium.

"We have to believe we can go through," he told Mediaset Premium after Saturday's 2-0 league win over Cheivo. "[The defeat at Malaga] is irrelevant, because Barcelona are accustomed to playing [big European games].

"There's no point sitting here, thinking we're playing against Barcelona - we have to play and that is all. From [Sunday], we think about Barcelona, but only because it's the next game - the next game is always the most important.

"When you have Leo Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez and Andres Iniesta, not to mention the others, it's rare you get an off night. We have to be on point, ready to attack at the right time and defend when it's necessary."

The Bianconeri are on course for their sixth successive Scudetto with seven games to go. Allegri's side hold a nine-point lead over second-placed AS Roma.

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