Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara is adamant that the Champions League is the most important competition in football.

The Catalan club meet Spartak Moscow in their Group G opener at the Nou Camp on Wednesday night, and are looking to win the tournament for the fifth time in their history.

The Spanish under-21 star believes that the Champions League is most prestigious trophy in world football and cannot wait to face the Russian outfit.

"The Champions League is the most important competition for any footballer. There aren't a lot of games and that's why it is valued so highly," said Thiago.

"However, we play all in competitions with the intent of winning them."

Barcelona currently find themselves second in La Liga with a game in hand on league leaders Malaga.

Written by
Matt Cotton