Pedro admits Barcelona can't afford to slip up against Real Madrid in this weekend's Clasico

Spanish forward knows his side must win to stay in title race

Pedro Rodriguez of FC Barcelona gives his thumbs up (Getty Images)

Barcelona forward Pedro has admitted his side cannot afford to lose this weekend's match with Real Madrid if they want to keep their title hopes alive.

The Catalans are currently four points behind their rivals in third place and Pedro admitted that defeat in Sunday's Clasico would make any chance of winning the title slim.

"A defeat would make it tough to pull ourselves back into the title race," the Spain international told Barca TV.

"But we are coming into the game in a good run of form and we know it’s all to play for there. We all want to put in a great performance and keep our treble hopes alive.

"Madrid might just be favourites because they are playing at home, but we know in this type of game there are never clear favourites at all - anything can happen."

He also highlighted Madrid's strength on the counter attack, stressing that Barcelona would have to maintain their concentration if they were to win.

"They have very quick players up front and they will be waiting for us to give the ball away so that they can hit us hard on the break.

"We have to be aware of their strengths and their style of play and use that to exploit our own strong points. Our idea is to move the ball quickly."

Barcelona won the reverse fixture 2-1 at the Nou Camp earlier this season.