Neymar doesn't insult opponents - Filipe Luis

Atletico Madrid full-back Filipe Luis has defended Barcelona star Neymar after his fellow Brazilian attracted criticism from his side last season.

Atleti midfielder Gabi was sent off for an altercation with the Barca forward during their match in January, with he and other members of Diego Simeone's side accusing Neymar of provocative behaviour and showboating.

Filipe Luis, however, believes the 23-year-old should not be taken so seriously and says stopping him from running riot in their Primera Division meeting on Saturday is a bigger concern.

"In Spain it's not usual to see those kinds of things but I do know Neymar well," the left-back told AS. "Firstly because we are team-mates in the national side and, before that, we knew each other when he started out at Santos and he has always been the same as he is.

"I don't think Neymar's the kind of person who would make fun of anybody; it's just the way he plays and that's all there is to it.

"You have to try to stop him. He's quick and lethal in front of goal... you have to be very alert when he's on the ball. Whatever he does, we have to fous on our game, make the most of the chances we get and put one past them.

"It's going to be a tough game. We're still only at the start of the season and both teams have players coming back from international duty but an Atleti-Barca game at the Vicente Calderon always promises a great atmosphere.

"Barcelona will be trying to control the ball and we, as always, will be strong at the back and looking to hit them on the break. We know that, against Barcelona, the game will depend on how they are because they have some incredible players. We'll be going out there to give the best of ourselves and trying to win the game.

"It's the kind of game you always want to play. It's a match of the highest level which demands the very best of you. You have to give everything because, if you don't, the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez will make you pay. It's very difficult to stop them.

"My last game against Barcelona was the one when we won the league and it was incredibly difficult. I've gone a while without losing to them but that counts for nothing. I'm really fired up for this one and I can't wait for the day of the game to arrive."