Barcelona 2-0 UD Almeria: Barcelona’s last home game with Gerard Pique in the lineup resulted in a rather comfortable victory. Xavi’s team defeated Almera 2-0 thanks to goals from Dembélé and Frenkie de Jong. As a result, Barcelona leads the table with 34 points from 13 games. In the last part, an impassioned Pique swayed the audience.
Barcelona’s players warmed up in a shirt bearing Piqué’s name. Busquets presented him with the captain’s armband for the occasion. When the game began, the leaving defender was applauded with each touch of the ball. After four minutes, the fans got plenty to rejoice about as defender Kaiky’s handball after a header by Torres resulted in a penalty for Barcelona.
Pique was given the penalty but pointed to Robert Lewandowski, believing the striker should take care of it. Lewandowski accepted responsibility but failed to deliver: after a ‘jump’ in the run-up, he blasted wide from outside the post. On the other side, Largie Ramazani intrcepted a ball from De Jong and was suddenly free to continue towards the goal; Marc-André ter Stegen saved his bet.
Barcelona 2-0 UD Almeria: Dembélé and Frenkie de Jong the scorers
Barcelona generated a number of chances in the remainder of the first half. Ferran, Dembele, Pedri, and De Jong all had chances to score but were unable to convert. It was hit just after the break.Dembélé came through from the right wing, showed two men his heels, and sent the ball behind Fernando Martnez. De Jong then increased the lead to two on a rebound following a Fati shot.
Barcelona then depressed the accelerator. The soothing tune set the stage for an emotional farewell to Piqué, who was substituted and received a standing ovation. He hugged his teammates, thanked the crowd, and walked off the field for the final time as a Camp Nou player. Andreas Christensen took his place.
Pique discussed the end of the world on DAZN. “To be honest, I never imagined such a happy ending. I never considered leaving. I always imagined myself doing another year. People have seen how difficult the last six months have been. Today seems like a new beginning. To play from the start for all of these people. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
After the game, Piqué was given a microphone and quickly informed fans that he will return to the club in a different capacity. “It’s time to separate the pathways for a bit, so I’ll return stronger. I’m going to spend time with my family and friends. I leave the club feeling relieved that I did my duty.”
