Gerard Pique Hits out at Alvaro Arbeloa After Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona Tweet

Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique has hit back at some sarcastic barbs delivered on social media by veteran Real Madrid full-back Alvaro Arbeloa. 

After watching La Liga leaders Barca lose 1-0 in Real Sociedad on Saturday, reducing the gap between themselves and Real to just four points, Arbeloa tweeted: "How hard it is to win against 11!," per Enda Kenneally of Spanish publication Marca.

But Pique was quick to fire back: "A player that has started only one match at the age of 32 [sic] doesn't deserve a response," according to a report for Marca from Alexandra Jonson.

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Pique followed that by then trying to rise above the squabble, assuring Arbeloa: "I've told my friends that if I'm not the protagonist on the pitch I don't want to be it off it," according to a report for Marca from Alexandra Jonson.

Pique's attempt to play statesman prompted this rebuttal from 33-year-old Arbeloa: "He's right. The truth hurts."

It's hardly rapier-like wit, but these two have previous for trading digs. Back in December, Pique compared Arbeloa unflatteringly to a training ground "cone," according to Rik Sharma of MailOnline.

This latest round of sniping comes after controversy in Barcelona's recent 2-1 UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg win against fellow title rivals Atletico Madrid.

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Fernando Torres was sent off for Atleti in the game, while Madrid "coach Diego Simeone and defender Felipe Luis felt Barcelona were given special treatment by referees," per Kenneally.

Arbeloa is no doubt attempting to get a rise out of Barca while the team's title challenge appears to be faltering, following back-to-back league defeats, including a 2-1 reverse against Los Blancos in the latest Clasico.

Expect Pique to have a few more words in response if and when his side can reopen a commanding lead over Arbeloa and Real in the title race.