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Marca hails Pique after El Clasico performance: 'Piquenbauer saves the day'

Reuters

Gerard Pique was one of the standout performers in Barcelona's 2-1 victory over Real Madrid on Sunday – quite a statement considered the propensity to focus on all the shiny attacking players on show.

The Spanish defender, enjoying a renaissance under Luis Enrique after struggling mightily last season, was a monster alongside Jeremy Mathieu in the first half as Real Madrid threatened and were by far the better side.

As a result, the 28-year-old was praised by Marca on Monday, with the Madrid-based paper making a comparison to legendary German defender Franz Beckenbauer.

Pique showed the world that he is still on top form, both physically and mentally. During the entire match, he was solid as a rock, never letting his guard down, never missing a trick. He read his marks well, fought hard and judged perfectly – apart from (Karim) Benzema's touch of magic that led to Ronaldo's goal, that is.

Perhaps not Beckenbauer-esque, but very good nonetheless.

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