Gerard Pique faces up to heavy Barcelona defeat by Bayern Munich and defends Sergi Roberto

Barcelona fans, not exactly on the same page as UEFA, loudly whistled the Champions League anthem pre-match, and their team struggled to assert themselves on the game. Thomas Mueller put Bayern ahead in the 33rd minute before – surprise, surprise – the unstoppable Robert Lewandowski doubled their lead four minutes short of the hour mark. The Polish marksman then grabbed his second and Bayern’s third in the 85th minute.

“We are not among the favourites but still nothing happens, look at Chelsea last season,” Pique said post-match. “This game teaches us that Bayern are superior, but very young players have come out who must be the future of this club. We are Barcelona and I am sure that we will end up competing.

“Sergi Roberto’s whistles hurt,” Pique continued, referencing the negative reception the Catalan midfielder earned upon his substitution. “He’s a spectacular person and he loves the club like no other. I’d like to remind people that he’s not a winger, he’s a midfielder. He makes the sacrifice of adapting to that position. I’m sorry for the whistles but people are free to express.”