Anthony Gordon says Barcelona are capable of competing with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, despite losing to both clubs in their past two matches.
Hansi Flick’s side had been unbeaten this season before European champions PSG defeated them 4-2 in Paris on 20 October. Five days later, Barcelona suffered a 2-1 home defeat by Madrid in the Clasico.
Barcelona, the Spanish title holders, last won the Champions League in 2015, and their performances in major matches have prompted questions about whether they can compete with Europe’s leading sides.
“I don't think they're above us,” Gordon told reporters on Monday. “We have to take responsibility for both losses because they're the two biggest games we played so far this season and we lost, but I don't think they're above us.
“I think we're a fantastic team and on any given day we can beat anybody. In these two games, the PSG game has a bit of context... on the weekend in their league they rested their whole team.
“We didn't have this privilege, so we were really tired in the game. This is normal, fine, we have to take responsibility, but I think they had a massive advantage with this.”
Gordon also argued that Barcelona deserved more from their Clasico defeat. Madrid secured victory with a late goal from Kylian Mbappe after Barcelona’s defence broke down.
“Madrid is the one game, the most important game we want to win. For me, we should have,” Gordon said.
“For me we were the much better team in the game, we had all the ball, all the possession, the better chances, but we were a slight bit off our best game. It cost us in the end; we conceded two very bad goals.
“Against this kind of opposition and this level of player, it can really hurt you in these games. We'll learn for next time, and I'm really excited to play these types of teams again to show what we can do.”
Barcelona host Premier League club Aston Villa on Tuesday as they look to respond in the Champions League, before travelling to Atletico Madrid in LaLiga on Sunday.
Gordon said Villa’s English identity would not provide extra motivation, although he acknowledged the quality of their opponents and manager Unai Emery.
“I'm always motivated the same... the fact they're English doesn't make it more motivating for me,” he said.
“They're a very good team... they have a great coach (Unai Emery), one of the best in the world... it's going to be a very difficult game.”
Aston Villa have won all three of their Champions League matches so far, against Viking, Fenerbahce and Club Brugge.
Gordon joined Barcelona from Newcastle during the summer in a deal which could eventually reach €80 million (£69.3m). The 25-year-old has scored three goals and provided five assists in 13 appearances in all competitions.
He believes there is more to come after adapting to his new surroundings.
“It's a big change, a new team, it's been a massive change for me and my family,” Gordon added.
“I've started well but like I've said numerous times, I can do more. It will take some time to grow, feel settled, and then when this happens I think you'll see the very best of me, which you definitely haven't seen so far.”