We are alive — Barcelona star fires warning to Real Madrid, Atletico

Barcelona defender Inigo Martinez sent a notice to their rivals in the title race, declaring that they are back in the fight. 

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The Blaugrana were the runaway leaders in LALIGA. By match day 11, they were already six points ahead of their closest rival, Real Madrid, thanks to a 4-0 El Clasico victory. 

However, the wheels began to fall off around matchday 13, when they were beaten by Real Sociedad, followed by a draw at Celta. 

By matchday 15, they had relinquished the top spot to Los Merengues, and by matchday 18, they were pushed down to third by Atleti. By matchday 20, the gap was as big as seven points, and Barcelona's title ambitions seemed dashed. 

However, an inspired start to the new year and slips ups from their competitors  Real Madrid (1st) and Atletico (2nd) have helped them reduce the deficit to two and one point, respectively. 

The Blaugrana’s chase received a nitro boost over the week weekend when both Madrid sides at the top of the table played out a 1-1 draw. Hansi Flick's side the not waste the opportunity, beating Sevilla 4-1 to close the gap. 

Following the match, veteran defender Inigo Martinez praised their effort and sent a message to their competitors. 

“If someone thought we were dead in La Liga, well, tell them that we're still very much alive,” Inigo said after the game, per Fabrizio Romano. “We have ambition; we want to make it happen.”