Pique says he's had a hip problem for 18 months

Pique says he's had a hip problem for 18 months

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique was satisfied with his side’s win over BATE Borisov, a win which took them one step closer to the last 16 of the Champions League. 

Two Ivan Rakitic strikes completed a 2-0 win — which also completed the Catalan side’s first clean sheet since the 1-0 win over Malaga in August. 

In total, the treble winners have leaked 18 goals in all competitions this season, but Pique’s not panicking.

"I feel good — we're conceding more than usual but we are an attacking team and sometimes we will create more chances,” he said. 

However, he did then surprise journalists by explaining that “for a year and half I’ve had a pain in my hip, but I’m OK physically.”

On the win in Belarus, he added: "The Champions League is always difficult. It was not a particularly spectacular game but the important thing was to win.

"When you come to these pitches it is all about getting the win. 

“The result of another game [Bayer Leverkusen 2-2 Roma] has benefited us, but until January the important thing is to be up there, maintaining this level and staying alive.”