Mascherano: One match at a time for Barca

Javier Mascherano has urged Barcelona to focus ahead of crucial matches against Real Madrid and Chelsea.

Holders Barca face Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday, before a potentially decisive showdown with La Liga leaders Real next Saturday.

Argentina international Mascherano feels his team cannot afford to think too far ahead, with the trip to face English Premier League side Chelsea demanding their full attention.

“The main thing right now is Wednesday’s match. Afterwards, we’ll think about the league and Real Madrid,” Mascherano said.

“We’re in a Champions League semi-final and we have a great opportunity to reach the final.

“It would be a really big mistake to focus on Real Madrid first, because Wednesday’s match is very difficult and will go a long way to deciding the tie.

“It’ll be a really difficult tie that will depend a lot on getting a good result in the first leg against a team that has always been characterised by their tremendous physical strength, and which has some really experienced players.”

Reigning champions Barca trail Real by four points in the league, with five matches of the season remaining.