Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has claimed that Saturday's El Clasico with Real Madrid at Camp Nou is "more important" for his team due to the current situation in La Liga.

Unbeaten league leaders Real Madrid will enter this weekend's fixture six points clear of second-placed Barcelona at the top of the table.

The reigning champions have fallen off the pace after drawing their last two in Spain's top flight, and Pique has conceded that his side cannot afford to suffer defeat against in-form Los Blancos.

"It is more important for us than them," Pique told Mundo Deportivo. "Because if they won, they would go nine points clear and it would be difficult."

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a late winner in the corresponding league match last season as Real Madrid came from behind to end Barcelona's 39-game unbeaten run in all competitions.