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SPANISH SUPER CUP

Barcelona: Piqué full of praise for Real Madrid ahead of Super Cup semi-final

The Barcelona centre-back admitted ahead of Wednesday's clash in Jeddah that Madrid are in fine form: "Benzema and Vinicius are at an amazing level".

Barcelona: Piqué full of praise for Real Madrid ahead of Super Cup semi-final
JON NAZCAREUTERS

Gerard Piqué looked ahead to this week's Spanish Super Cup clash with Real Madrid in an interview with #Vamos. The Barcelona central defender spoke of his admiration for Carlo Ancelotti's team, who he says are in a great moment of form. He also has a special mention for two Madrid players in particular - Vinicius and Benzema, the ones who will pose a serious threat in Wednesday's semi-final. In spite of his praise, Piqué feels confident that Barça can get the better of their rivals in Saudi Arabia .

Real Madrid: "They still have the backbone that has brought the team a lot of success in the past few years. In midfield - Casemiro, Kroos and Modric know each other to perfection and they have performed to an extremely high level during the past few seasons. Up front they've got Benzema and Vinicius, who have been playing at a superb level both in terms of goals and football. At the back they are well organised, comfortable when they are without the ball and base a lot of their moves on releasing Vinicius are feeding the midfielders to get the ball to Benzema. It's the same base they've had for a few years now, a team we know well - we know that they are a top level side but we can punish them".

First Clásico of the New Year: "I felt we didn't deserve to lose to them at Camp Nou. Dest had a chance to score when it was still 0-0, had it gone in, it would have changed the whole game. They scored from one of their first attacks. In terms of confidence, we weren't like we are now - we were a bit down. Our spirits are high going into this game and we want to make the most of that".

Barça's recent form: "In the situation we are in, every win gives us a real lift, Winning the Super Cup would give us the confidence we need for the next few months, it would give the team wings".

New Super Cup: "The current format is more complicated than the old one and gives more options for every team involved to win it - instant knockout with semi-finals, especially in the current game where the general level is much higher".