Pique upset after loss to 'one of the worst Madrid sides I've faced'

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique believes Real Madrid were at their worst in the first half of Sunday's El Clasico, making it all the more difficult for the Spaniard to accept the 2-0 loss.

"We are upset," Pique told reporters, according to ESPN's Sam Marsden. "We thought we could get a good result here because Madrid came into the game in bad shape. It was one of the worst Madrid sides I've faced at the Bernabeu in the first half.

"I don't say that as a criticism of them. We all have problems - we aren't doing that well, either. But we missed an opportunity. We had control of the game and if we take advantage of a couple of our chances it leaves them with a mountain to claim."

Barcelona outshot Madrid and dominated possession in the first 45 minutes but lost control of the game in the second half. Madrid teen Vinicius Junior carved through Barcelona's defense to score in the 71st minute before substitute Mariano converted from the close range in stoppage time to secure the three points.

The win moved Los Blancos to first place with 56 points, one ahead of their eternal rivals.

"I would take playing as badly in the first half as (Pique) thinks we played if it meant winning every Clasico," Madrid captain Sergio Ramos said.