Maybe Barcelona aren’t as good as people say

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has lamented his side's midweek performance, suggesting that such displays belie the adulation they often receive.

The Liga leaders were defeated 2-0 in comfortable fashion by AC Milan on Wednesday, leaving them with a mountain to climb if they are to live up to their billing as favourites for the Champions League crown this season.

And Pique acknowledged that the display at San Siro was far below that which has become expected of the team in recent seasons.

The 26-year-old told reporters: 'It's a very bad result. When they scored their first goal we lost focus. We have to improve, learn and wait for the return leg at the Camp Nou to qualify. Maybe we're not as good as everyone said.

'The San Siro is a tough stadium to play in and we know that Milan is a big club. We are Barcelona and we have to turn the tie around.'

Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari struck second-half goals to secure an impressive win for the Rossoneri on the night.