Barcelona were Piqued to pieces by Bayern, says Gerard

Posted Thursday, April 25, 2013 by The Sun

GERARD PIQUE’S brutal assessment of the gulf in class between Bayern Munich and Barcelona was astonishing.

Almost as astonishing as Bayern’s 4-0 win in Tuesday’s first leg of the one-sided Champions League semi-final that shocked the world.

Barca defender Pique said: “There is not much to explain. They are quicker, stronger and play better football. They gave us a lesson.”

Referee Viktor Kassai let two Bayern goals stand despite Mario Gomez looking offside and Arjen Robben scoring after Thomas Muller’s blatant foul on Jordi Alba.

But Pique, 26, added: “I don’t think he had much influence. They were superior — we have to congratulate them. We have to front up in the return leg and finish off La Liga as soon as possible. We are Barca and we have to come out at the Nou Camp to win.”

Xavi’s assessment was no less damning.

The midfield maestro, 33, said: “We are sad but they were better.”

And Xavi admitted that Barca’s Wembley dream is all but over.

He added: “We have to try for our pride and we will try to go for the miracle but know it’s practically impossible.”

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi admitted he was not match-fit.

He said: “I was not at my best. They won at every level. Physically they were superior.”