This archive report was first published on 20 June 2020.
Gerard Pique's words of caution have sparked concern among Barcelona fans after the team's goalless draw against Sevilla on Friday.
La Liga's title race is now Real Madrid's to lose, according to Pique, who admitted that Barcelona's chances of winning the league are dwindling.
Barcelona's first slip-up since returning from the three-month hiatus hands Madrid the chance to regain top spot this weekend.
After their emphatic 3-0 win over Valencia on Thursday, Zinedine Zidane's side will move level on points with the Catalans if they beat Real Sociedad on Sunday and above them due to their superior record head-to-head.
“Seeing what we’ve done in the last two rounds, it’s going to be very difficult to win this league,” said a despondent Pique afterwards.
Barcelona coach Quique Setien, however, remains optimistic, saying: “I think it comes from frustration. I am optimistic. I think it will be tough for anyone to take maximum points.”
Barcelona's tough run-in includes games against Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal, and local rivals Espanyol, while Real Sociedad are still in the hunt for Champions League qualification.
Barcelona could have few complaints at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, where they never really troubled Sevilla for any prolonged period.
Sevilla's Jules Kounde shot just wide of the post early on, but Barcelona controlled the opening 30 minutes, even if chances were few and far between.
Earlier, Gerard Moreno’s winner gave Villarreal a 1-0 win away at Granada, putting them within touching distance of the top four.
