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What's the story?
Barcelona star Gerard Pique has admitted that the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo had an impact on Real Madrid, stating that Los Blancos need players who can get them goals.
In case you didn’t know….
Cristiano Ronaldo shockingly announced his departure from Real Madrid almost a year ago after winning three consecutive Champions League with the club. The five time Ballon d'Or winner netted 450 goals in nine seasons for the Spanish giants, becoming the greatest goalscorer in club's history.
It is crystal clear that Real Madrid are weak without their former talisman. Los Blancos endured one of their worst seasons in recent history as they failed to win any major silverwares at the end of the season. The Spanish giants finished third in the La Liga, 19 points behind winners Barcelona.
Los Blancos also suffered humiliating exits from the Champions League and Copa Del Rey. They have failed to defeat their archrivals Barcelona even once in the four times they met in the 2018/19 campaign.
On the other hand, the Catalan giants secured their 8th league title in 11 years and are also on verge of winning the domestic double for the second consecutive season.
The heart of the matter
Pique opened up about the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo and life after Lionel Messi.
Speaking in an interview, the Blaugrana center-back said:
"When one of the two sides [Barça or Madrid], for whatever reasons, is not at the top level, it gives the other one many more options. We have been very consistent and solid in our results.
"I suppose that Cristiano Ronaldo's departure had an influence because football can be seen in many ways, and one is by statistics. You need players that can get you goals across the year, an area that they have been weak."
Pique is also aware of how Messi's departure in the future will affect the club.
"When Leo leaves we will feel it, for sure. But it all depends on how the club adapts to that change and how long it wants to lament his departure."
What's next?
While Real Madrid's season is over, Barcelona will face Valencia in the Copa Del Rey finals.
