BARCELONA: FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique expressed his disappointment over consecutive defeats against arch-rivals Real Madrid on Thursday saying that he felt inferior to Spanish champions for the first time since joining the Catalans. First half goals from Marco Asensio and Karim Benzema saw Madrid stroll past Barcelona for the second time in less than a week, after their 3-1 thrashing at Camp Nou on Monday. Pique, who suffered a knock during the second half and is subject to medical examination later today, said that he has never believed Madrid to be superior before, but after the European champions’ double strike in Spanish Super Cup, the defender felt substandard. “In the nine years I’ve been at Barca, it’s the first time I feel inferior to Madrid. We’re not having our best time as a team or a club. We should all be as close to each other as possible and move forward.” Pique told reporters subsequent to Barca’s loss at the Bernabeu. Pique further emphasised that rival club currently is superior to Barca, but remains hopeful of turning things around as the season progresses. “We must live with this defeat and accept that Madrid are better than us at the moment, but the season’s very long and there’s room for improvement.” He said. Barcelona will take on Real Betis in League opener on Sunday at Camp Nou, as the team looks to wither off their super cup ordeal.