Pique thrilled with fightback

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique was delighted by his team’s resilience after they weathered an early storm to beat Real Madrid 3-1 on Saturday.

The Catalans were stunned just 21 seconds into the match at the Santiago Bernabeu, when Karim Benzema gave the home side the lead with the fastest goal in Clasico history.

But the Spanish and European champions fought back, equalising on 30 minutes through Alexis Sanchez before securing a fine win thanks to a Marcelo own-goal and a Cesc Fabregas’ header.

Pique was understandably thrilled by his team’s response to the early setback.

“We had planned to play with three at the back, but we had to wait until the 10th minute to do it,” Pique said.

“They were coming at us, but we had the confidence to be ourselves and to impose our play style.”

Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes, meanwhile, was relieved his wayward clearance that had led to Madrid’s early opener had not proved fatal to his team’s hopes of reclaiming top spot in La Liga.

“We keep on making history,” Valdes said. “Another game won at the Bernabeu.”

Barca do not play again in La Liga this year because of their involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan and they kick off their campaign on Thursday against either Esperance or Al Sadd.