Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano has called on his team to enter the upcoming international break with another three points behind them in Spain's top flight.

The Catalan outfit recorded a 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Tuesday, but their attention will now switch to La Liga, with a clash away to Sevilla to come on Saturday.

Atletico Madrid face Real Madrid on Sunday, which means that at least one of Barcelona's title rivals will drop points this weekend.

"Sevilla? We know it's an important game and then there's the international break, which will be at a good time. If we get three points it will help for the future. We will try to maintain our confidence," Mascherano told reporters.

Barcelona have a growing injury list which includes the likes of Rafinha, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Adriano and Thomas Vermaelen.