Gerard Pique has admitted that victory for Barcelona in the Clasico against Real Madrid on Sunday could hand them the La Liga title.
La Blaugrana lead the capital giants by just a point with 11 games left ahead of the encounter at Camp Nou, and the defender says his side are keen to take “a very important step forward” when their arch-rivals come to town.
“The Clasico is a very important step forward for us. There are still 10 games remaining [after it] but we’re both very close in the table,” he told reporters.
“Three more points [for us] 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.
“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 [Madrid] balance. He drops deep to pick up the ball and then reaches the area. It’s vital to stop him.”