Pique vows Barca will answer Milan challenge

BARCELONA, Spain (AFP) –

Barcelona’s defender Gerard Pique gives a press conference at the Sports Center FC Barcelona Joan Gamper in Sant Joan Despi, near Barcelona, on March 11, 2013, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League football match FC Barcelona vs AC Milan.

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique insisted Monday the Spanish giants could overcome the 2-0 first-leg loss in their Champions League Last 16 clash with AC Milan when they meet here for the second leg on Tuesday.

“We have one of the best teams in the history of this club and we know our qualities,” Pique told a news conference.

“I have no doubt that despite the criticism of recent weeks this team is going to respond tomorrow,” the 26-year-old Spain international added.

Barcelona are running away with the Spanish league title, holding a 13 point lead, but have been off form over recent weeks.

They suffered a 2-0 away loss to Milan and two defeats to their rivals Real Madrid in the league and Spanish cup.

“Perhaps we played three not very good games, but we are having a brilliant season,” Pique said, highlighting Barcelona’s haul of more than 80 league goals.

“Yes, we’re going to play against an Italian team tomorrow that will try to close things down. But the chances will come, I am sure.

“A single goal by Milan would hurt us a lot. We will try not to let one in,” he added. “But this (Barcelona) team is capable of scoring four. It will be difficult, but it is possible.”