Gerard Pique surprised by 16-point gap to Real Madrid

Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique has admitted that it is a surprise to be so far ahead of Real Madrid at this stage of the season.

He pinpointed Tito Vilanova's seamless integration after the Pep Guardiola era as a big reason for Barca doing so well.

"No-one expected such a big lead," AS quotes Pique as saying. "Madrid won the league and have a great team, so it is a very significant distance.

"Tito is doing great. He is doing no more and no less than Pep, just exactly what is needed. The team is performing at a superb level and we have not noticed the transition."

Barcelona host Getafe on Sunday.