BARCELONA, May 4 (Primera Liga) - Barcelona are at real risk of missing out on a place in the Champions League next season, just four days after they were eliminated by Real Madrid from this campaign's competition.

So tomorrow, at their intimidating Nou Camp, victory against city rivals Espanyol is imperative.

The top four teams in Spain qualify, and Barca are fourth. But fifth-placed Celta Vigo are alongside them on 60 points while Real Betis, currently sixth, are just a point back.

Qualifying only for the UEFA Cup would be seen as a disaster for Barca, so the pressure is on.

Dutch midfielder Philip Cocu feels his team will cope.

``We needed a couple of days to put the defeat in Madrid behind us, but Sunday is another important game and we'll try to win,'' he promised.

Barca went out of the Champions League in the Bernabeu, with a 1-1 draw on the night not enough after a 2-0 loss at home.

Espanyol were 2-0 winners over Barca earlier in the season, and Cocu is taking nothing for granted.

``Espanyol will come here without any pressure; they can't play in Europe and they can't go down, so they'll come here to beat us and give something to their fans,'' he said.

The season has not lived up to expectations for Barca and coach Carles Rexach is expected to depart his role in the summer, perhaps moving to a different role in the club.

Cocu is determined to end the season on a high.

``You are a professional, you play for Barca, who pay you well and you have to try to give everything,'' he said.

``I think we have always battled to win and I hope we do the same thing on Sunday. Maybe some people have a more complicated situation at the club, but they have to do the same.''

Rivaldo's fitness could be key for Barca and Rexach is hoping he will have sufficiently recovered from his knee injury to play.

Michael Reiziger is available following a thigh strain, but Sergi Barjuan misses out and could miss the World Cup with an ankle injury which may require surgery.

Barca's hot-and-cold nature means Espanyol are unsure what to expect.

``They could either be totally unmotivated or furious, but that's their problem,'' said goalkeeper Alfredo Argenso.