FC Copenhagen may not be one of European football's more illustrious names, but Gerard Pique is wary.
Barca man warns team-mates ahead of Euro clash
FC Copenhagen may not be one of European football's more illustrious names, but Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is still wary of their in-form opponents.
The Danish team surprisingly lead Group D by two points from Barca, having finished bottom of their group in their previous and only foray into the UEFA Champions League.
Stale Solbakken's team have yet to concede a goal in the competition while dispatching of Rubin Kazan and Panathinaikos.
But, boosted by their 2-1 victory over Valencia in the Primera Liga last weekend, the Barca camp is buoyant.
Despite this, the Spain defender is urging his team-mates to show the Scandinavians the same respect they afforded Valencia.
Opponents
"Our opponents are not well known, but the points are just the same or even more important," Pique told
Sport.
"In the league an error can be rectified because the season is long, but it's difficult to turn around a slip-up at home in the Champions League.
"Copenhagen have won both their games and this tells you everything. It may seem that they aren't as strong as Valencia, but if they've beaten opponents such as Rubin and Panathinaikos, we cannot be over confident."
Barca memorably claimed the first European Cup at Wembley in 1992 courtesy of a sublime Ronald Koeman free-kick.
Wembley
This year's final is again at the home of English football and the former Manchester United man would like to repeat that feat with the current Barca side.
"We will give it everything to get to Wembley, but we need to take it step by step. First we must win the group."
Barca, though, will have to do this with a weakened team as they will be with Gabriel Milito (thigh), while Carles Puyol is also doubtful with a similar complaint.
The majestic Xavi is also a doubt with a tendon injury as Barca try and close the gap on an in-form Copenhagen, who have started made a bristling start to their domestic campaign with 10 wins from 11 games.
