Pique targets leaving El Clasico in first place

Ahead of El Clasico, Barcelona defender Gerard Pique
says his top priority is leaving the Santiago Bernabeu
with his side still top.

Gerard Pique has suggested leaving El Clasico with Barcelona
still on top of La Liga would represent a positive outcome
against Real Madrid.

The Camp Nou side are three points clear of their rivals at the
top of the table going into the key Santiago Bernabeu clash after
the international break, meaning a point will keep them in first
place.

Pique feels Barca are going into the game at the perfect time of
the season, with the club having recorded four straight league
wins even as Lionel Messi sits out with a knee injury.

"We arrive for the Clasico at the best time of our season," he is
quoted as saying by AS.

"We will do as leaders and our hope is to get out of there in the
same position.

"I do not know if there will be whistles at the Bernabeu, but it
would be normal – we have never been well received.

"Anything can happen in the Clasico. There is a break for two
weeks for internationals and we hope everyone comes back
without any problems to get ready for Real Madrid."

Barca are hoping Messi will be fit for the Clasico, although
president Josep Maria Bartomeu has insisted the Argentina
international will not be rushed back.