Victory in El Clasico will win Barcelona the La Liga title: Gerard Pique

Gerard Pique feels winning the El Clasico is crucial for this year's title race

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique feels that El Clasico could hand the title to the victor. Barcelona, who have been in splendid form recently, will be facing a shaky Real Madrid side. While Barcelona received accolades from several football critics for their win against Manchester City in the Champions Leagues, Real Madrid have been criticized for their poor performance against Schalke.

“The Clasico is a very important step forward for us. There are still ten games remaining but we’re both very close in the table,” Pique told reporters. “Three more points would open up a certain distance which could perhaps give us the title. I’m looking to win the game.

“We’re in a very positive dynamic and we’ve won many games. In attack we have three very successful players and defensively the team are competing very well. We face the Clasico with great gusto and the idea of getting the three points. You feel more confident when you come [into a game like this] on the back of a winning run.”

“We need to be wary of BBC”

Pique said that form goes out the window in the Clasico and Madrid’s indifferent form wouldn’t really matter on the day. The 28-year-old earmarked Madrid’s attacking triumvirate as the dangerous men for this clash.

He

He said, “Real Madrid aren’t having their best spell of the season, but in a Clasico, no matter how you play, it’s 50-50 for each team. Madrid are another great team with great players, and this makes it special. We must prepare a few days beforehand, but we’re raring to go.

“Cristiano (Ronaldo) and (Gareth) Bale are very powerful, quick and dangerous one on one in the box. (Karim) Benzema gives them balance. He drops deep to pick up the ball and then reaches the area. It’s vital to stop him.”

Barcelona are top of the La Liga table, leading their weekend opponents by 1 point and a win would put them 4 points clear of their rivals.