Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has dismissed speculation that his side will not give their all against Benfica tomorrow night.

Vilanova's side have already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League and as a result some pundits had claimed that those that take to the Nou Camp pitch will take it easy, with the victory not a necessity.

However, Vilanova has insisted that the clash with Benfica remains an "important" fixture for his team.

"We will present a competitive team. It's an important game because we are still representing the club," he told a press conference. "It's the Champions League and there are teams that are still playing for qualification.

"It's a Champions League match and we will try to make the best of it. A Champions League match is always important."

Victory for Benfica against Barca will see them join their hosts in knockout stages.

Written by
Liam Apicella