Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has taken a swipe at Real Madrid's mega spending. Pique raised the accusation of Real being supported by local banks.

"I read that since 2002, Madrid has spent 1,200 million euros. We also spend, but we do not have a Bankia," Pique told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We have Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Puyi, Valdes, Busqi, Pedro ... a generation that cost nothing, and that is our key to compete with Madrid."

 For the big stories and the banter follow us on Twitter: @tribalfootball