Barcelona defender Daniel Alves has warned against taking Atletico Madrid's quest for La Liga lightly, claiming that they could spring a "surprise".

The Rojiblancos are currently nine points behind Barca in second place in the table, while rivals Real Madrid are 16 points off the pace in third.

"People talk a lot about [Real] Madrid when our rivals are Atletico," he told reporters.

"We should not look to the team in third place, because there is a team in second. They are closer and, if we do not pay attention, they could surprise us."

Barcelona are next in league action on Sunday when they host Getafe at Camp Nou.