Admired around the world over for the last decade as the great entertainers of European soccer, La Liga leaders Barcelona have quietly turned into masters of defending in recent weeks, led by steely centre half Gerard Pique.

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - La Liga Santander - Real Madrid v FC Barcelona - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - March 2, 2019 Real Madrid's Karim Benzema in action with FC Barcelona's Gerard Pique REUTERS/Juan Medina