Antoine Griezmann says Real Sociedad are motivated by the opportunity of becoming the first team to inflict a league defeat on Barcelona this season.

The Blaugrana are nine points clear at the top of La Liga and are yet to be beaten, having won 18 and drawn one of their matches to date.

“It motivates me a lot and I hope that we are the first team to beat them, we have the ability to do it. We have to be at our best in defence and take the few opportunities that we have,” he was quoted as saying by Mundo Deportivo.

The Basques sit in ninth place ahead of Saturday’s encounter, 29 points adrift of Tito Vilanova’s side, but Griezmann insists it is a match he is approaching with great relish.

“At the start of the season you always look for the games against Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico because they are emotional to play in,” he added.

“In 90 minutes anything can happen. We are eager to take the three points.”

The France Under-21 international has made 16 appearances for the San Sebastian side so far this season, scoring three goals in the process.