FOOTBALL – Gerard Pique put on a Barcelona shirt for the last time yesterday. He played his last game for FC Barcelona on Saturday 5th November 2022 at home against Almeria.
Pique captained the game and put on the number 3 shirt, and was in the starting 11.
After just 6 minutes, Almeria defender, Fernades was shown the yello card. Kaiky was also given the yellow card after a hand ball. VAR checked and awarded the penalty to Barcelona as the handball had blocked Torres´ chance at goal. Lewandowski stepped up, but missed the opportunity. Mintues later, however, Torres was also shown a yellow card.
Throughout the middle of the first half, there are chances and there were saves for both teams. This continued right through until the half time whistle. The first half ended 0-0.
Second half
Almeria made a few changes to the line up at the start of the second half. But it didn´t take Dembele long until he put Barça one goal ahead. Three minutes into the second half, and they finally claimed their first goal. Busquets played the long ball down the right wing and passed to Dembele who put it in the bottom corner of the net. That made it 1-0 for Barcelona.
The second goal came after 62 minutes for “man of the match” De Jong. Barcelona were now all over the Almeria side. However, their goalkeeper continued to make some amazing saves.
Standing ovation for Pique
Eighty five minutes on the clock, and Pique´s name came up on the substitution board. It was emotional to say the least! All his team mates on the pitch took a moment with him. He then handed his captain´s armband to Alba, and left the pitch in tears for the last time. He received a standing ovation as applauded his fans.
Christensen took his place on the pitch. The remainder of the game continued on the pitch, but the attention was very much off the pitch, and on Pique.
Five minutes of extra time were added. But the game had really ended when Pique left the field. It finished 2-0.
The 2-0 win against Almeria meant Barcelona went top in La Liga. However, Real Madrid have yet to play. They play away tomorrow, to on-form Rayo Vallecano.
Currently Barcelona sit top of the table on 34 points, with Real Madrid on 32. However, should Real Madrid win tomorrow, the positions will be reversed.
