Friday saw Barcelona face their first real test since returning to action in La Liga. After registering back-to-back wins over Granada and bottom-of-the-table Leganes, the Blaugrana made the trip to Sevilla for one of Matchday 30’s first three games. The Catalan giants found it difficult to break down Lopetegui's side, who are third in the standings, and came away from this tie with a goalless draw despite dominating possession.
It was yet another unflattering performance from Spain’s table-toppers, leading to one of their most integral players admitting that it will be difficult to win the Primera Division. That man is none other than Gerard Pique, who is an ever-present center-back and one of Barcelona’s most senior men.
Their slip-up against Sevilla means Real Madrid, their closest rivals, are now only three points behind in the standings. Given Los Blancos’ superior head-to-head record against the Blaugrana in La Liga this season, having won once and drawn the other of their two El Clasico encounters this term, they will snatch the top spot from Setien’s side should they move level on points with Messi and Co.
Speaking after the game, Pique stated that he does not see Zidane’s side dropping points anytime soon. As a result, he argued that the title is no longer in their hands after their upsetting result at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.
"I think it's going to be very difficult to win this league," Pique said (as per Marca).
"We're going to do everything possible, but I don't suppose [Real Madrid] are going to drop very many points. It's no longer in our hands and it will be difficult for Real Madrid to drop points. From what we've seen in the last two Matchdays, it will be difficult."
The Spanish center-back was left all the more frustrated by the fact that his side, for the most part, controlled the game. Unfortunately, they failed to put the ball behind the opposition net despite having a fair amount of opportunities to do so.
"We had more chances and more control than them," the 33-year-old added.
"We created [chances], but we couldn't score.
"They're third in the table, they're a top-class team.
"The draw leaves us in a position where [the title] doesn't depend on us."
Pique remarks raised eyebrows and even forced Setien to issue a response. The manager brushed aside the comments, arguing that they were made in the heat of the moment. The gaffer then said Real Madrid will drop points at some point, stressing that the title race is not as gloomy as Gerard claims it to be.
