Barcelona defender Gerard Pique claimed that referee Mateu Lahoz had a “strange criterion” in El Clasico for fouls and they had to adjust to that.

The fierce rivals played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.

The centre-back admitted that Lahoz had a good game, but critiqued some of his decisions.

“He [Mateu Lahoz] had a strange criterion, we had to play and adapt,” said Pique, according to Marca.

“In general, he had a good match.

“It was a card for Sergio [Ramos, who was already on a yellow late on], but what can we do? ”

Lionel Messi started the game on the bench and was substituted on for the last 30 minutes. The Argentine had an average game to his standards.

“We knew that he had some discomfort,” Pique added.

“Now important games are coming and it is better to have him fit and healthy.

“We knew that if he played 90 minutes, he might suffer.

“And he preferred to come on in the second half.”

The 32-year-old is positive about eliminating Madrid and helping his team earn a ticket to Benito Villmarin for the finals

“The result is good, we are alive for the second match,” he stated.

“We’ll all be there, or so we hope.”