Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has taken another pop at Real Madrid by suggesting tonight’s Champions League quarter final opponents for Los Cules – Atletico de Madrid – are tougher than the Santiago Bernabeu side.
Pique scored in the Clasico at the weekend but was on the losing side as Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo netted for Zidane’s team to secure a memorable win at the Camp Now.
The defeat for Luis Enrique’s men ended their 39-game unbeaten run and also means the gap at the top of the table is reduced to six points with seven games remaining. Real are a point behind second-placed Atletico in the table.
Speaking ahead of the match, Pique said he believe Atletico are a tougher nut to crack than Real.
“Emotionally it’s a defeat like any other. We went 39 games without losing and at times it happens. Onwards. We’re ready to play another game on Tuesday and to do very well. Tomorrow is a unique opportunity to have a great game and leave the bar very high,” he said.
And he added: “We’re not scared, but they are having a great season. It’s going to be more difficult than Saturday.
“They are the second best team in Spain, according to the league standings. But in the end it depends on us, that we have the ball, the support of the fans… If everything comes together, we’re unstoppable.”
