Dani Alves has said that Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United are the best clubs in Europe.

The Barcelona defender, whose side are the popular favourite to repeat their Champions League triumph of last season, admits that English champions United and current Spanish league leaders Madrid must also be considered favourites.

"Our priority is the league. It is the competition that is more difficult, the most elaborate," he told Mundo Deportivo.

"The Champions League is the most spectacular for what it means, but the league is just as important.

"Currently the best teams are us and Manchester United, the last [Champions League] finalists, but Madrid are also competing."

Meanwhile, Barcelona travel to Atletico Madrid in La Liga action this weekend.