Barcelona must play a "perfect game" to beat Manchester City when it faces off against ex-coach Pep Guardiola's new side in the Champions League, according to midfielder Ivan Rakitic.
Spanish champion Barcelona prepared in ideal fashion for hosting City with a routine 4-0 victory over Deportivo La Coruna in LaLiga on Saturday, thanks to Rafinha's double and strikes from Luis Suarez and the returning Lionel Messi.
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Rakitic wants his side to take the performance into Wednesday's clash with Guardiola's men.
"We played a complete game," said Rakitic, as reported by Barcelona's official website. "We will prepare for the [Manchester City] game in the same way as ever.
"We will play against a technical team which we know very well and it will be very difficult. We will intend to play a perfect game as that's what will be required to win the game."
Rakitic also defended summer signing Paco Alcacer, who has struggled to make an impact so far at Camp Nou.
Alcacer has yet to get off the mark in six appearances, but Rakitic says it is just a matter of time before he starts scoring goals.
"We have to let Paco Alcacer be. The most important thing is that he is getting chances, it would be a problem if he wasn't getting any.
"He is a very important player for us and we have faith in him."