The last Barcelona player to have scored against Real Madrid – in the historic 2-6 at the Barnebeu last May – Gerard Piqué granted Catalan sports paper El Mundo Deportivo an interview yesterday and talked about Barcelona’s Champions League win over Inter Milan, and the upcoming el Clasico.

Messi and Ibrahimovic were absent from the Inter match but the response of the team was decisive.

We always knew we could win, but it is the Camp Nou crowd that really lifted our spirits to confront Inter. For me this team is the equivalent or better than last year’s, and there are times when we don’t need to play our cracks to win. No matter who plays, we can always win because we are a team. And if the crowd is behind us like they did against Inter, it will be tough for anyone to beat us.

Before the match, did you ever think, at any moment, that you could be eliminated from the Champions League?

No, not personally because we are playing in front of our own fans. Of course, there is that chance, as can happen in the next round, the quarters or semis. To win trophies you have to go through matches like that of Inter but the team is already used to it.

Now, it would be a sin to miss the knockout stage…

It did not even cross our mind. We will go to Kiev to secure the top spot because it is very important in determining our opponent. After yesterday’s (Tuesday) match, we are very relaxed.

How is Eto’o?

Thrilled, after playing here for so many years, return and play in another jersey, he felt strange.

Eto’o said he wants to be in the final at the Bernabeu.

Hopefully, it will also mean that Barca is in the final. I wish the same for him.

Was the Inter match the team’s best this season?

I do not know if it was the best match because I think this season, I would dare say that we are playing even better than in the past, but it is true that when we drew the last three away matches and lost the league lead it does create some doubts, but ultimately, (in truth) we have only lost one competitive match all season. I think everyone should have some confidence in this team and yesterday’s match was a clear example that this team has yet to peak mentally and physically. (i.e. achieve the win while not at full strength)

The win against Inter; what impact will it have on el Clasico?

The team sees the result against Inter as something very positive as it lifted our confidence and gave us that assured feeling. Having the Champions League qualification back on track puts us in the best state of mind for el Clasico.

Are you looking to regain the lead?

That is our intention, but then in football there are going to be circumstances that is beyond our control, but we will be going for the win and for the lead, that’s for sure

In Madrid, they (media) are trying to sell the idea that with Cristiano playing, Barcelona is anxious. Is that even true?

I don’t think I need to entertain that notion. They (media) have this idea that Real is a better team with Cristiano, but I don’t think so. But I do believe in my team, whoever plays the match, we will always push (for the win), no matter who the opponent is. If we play well, the normal result is usually a win for us.

Besides, you know him well (from your Manchester United days), and you beat him in the Champions League final in Rome…

Yes, the truth is that I will do it again. I trained with him for three or four years and have seen the matches that he has played here. He is clearly a danger as he is one of the three best players in the world and is very unpredictable, but we are the best defence there is.

Is it good for him to play just off an injury?

Truth is, it doesn’t matter to me. All I know is, this Sunday I will be at the Camp Nou.

Will Ibra and Messi be there too?

I think they will. I’m not the team doctor, but I think they have improved a lot from their injuries and not playing against Inter can only be good for them to recover fully.

The team overcame Inter with authority, what now? Another 6-2 win over Madrid?

It’s a nice memory, but on Sunday we have to leave the past behind and concentrate on the game, which is crucial as it will be a tough match, but as always one we will go for the win.

Do you hate the fact that Madrid played badly than Barcelona and yet, lead the table?

That has always happened (in the footballing world). Barca have a culture of football that treats the ball well, and with Madrid, they are more liberal with it but with the players and stars they have, they will get results from their matches. It doesn’t disappoint us, they do it their way and we, ours. But you win the league through consistency and by accumulating the points (in any way shape or form). The key here is being consistent.

How would you define the fans during the match against Inter?

They are spectacular. Whenever we needed them, the fans have been there for us, and that is one of the characteristics of this club. When the team needs them, we know they’ll always be there.

On Sunday, will that be repeated?

I would ask them to be there as they were against Inter. That support we are getting from the stands, the attention they gave, the affection, and the excitement they build up from the very first minute may not seem to affect us but we felt it on the pitch.

Did Pep win the tactical battle against Mourinho?

I think we played as we usually do. The problem is that we played without two of our cracks (star players) and that created uncertainty. But our coach’s game-plan is always the same.

Besides Cristiano, is there anything that you want to highlight about Madrid?

I think they are more solid defensively. They are less creative than past seasons but it is more difficult to dominate them, and they are relying more on counter-attacking moves. This year, it will be harder for them to win the league though, as they are still adapting to each other and to the team play.

Finally, do you have any scoreline prediction for el Clasico?

I’m not one to predict results because they are never met. I want to win, and I don’t care if it’s 1-0 and scored in the last minute.