Gerard Pique believes Barcelona should be happy with their draw against Real Madrid as it ‘keeps the tie alive’ for Ernesto Valverde’s side.
Malcom struck a second half equaliser for the Blaugrana after Lucas Vazquez had given the visitors the lead in an evenly-matched contest.
“It was an important result for us because it ensures we are alive for the second leg,” Pique told reporters, as cited by Marca.
“We needed to keep this game open because we will never rule ourselves out and we believe we can always win, or so we hope.
“Lionel Messi? We need to have him fit and healthy, we knew he was not 100% and had some discomfort in training, so not playing 90 minutes was the only decision.
“Referee Mateu Lahoz? We needed to adapt to him, but generally speaking there were no big controversial decision.
“Sergio Ramos (who was already on a yellow) escaped a card later, but there is not much we can do.”
