Espanyol are currently trailing in the bottom of the league table with 18 points from 23 games, and Alves made clear of his feelings towards the relegation strugglers.

"It is never pleasant to see your fellow professionals struggling like that. I have never experienced it myself but I do not wish it on anybody,” Alves told Sport magazine.

“I believe that relegation is the worse thing that can happen to you.

"If you lose a title, perhaps it’s because your rivals are better than you are. But to be demoted from the top flight is really heartbreaking."

Despite sympathizing with the Catalan club, Alves confirmed that he'll be doing Espanyol no favours when they face his team later on Saturday.

"However, when the whistle goes, one will forget about everything and especially so in a derby, where there are no such things as friends.

"We will do everything possible to beat them. I want their season to turn out well, but I also want us to get a good result on Saturday," added the Brazilian.

Barca are currently top of La Liga table with 60 points, ten adrift of second-placed and arch rivals Real Madrid.