Piqué bids farewell in emotional Barça victory
On an emotional night at the Camp Nou, the Blaugrana said goodbye to Barça legend Piqué, who was making his 617th and final appearance for the club after announcing his sudden retirement in midweek. However, what should have been a glorious send-off soon became frustrating as the home side struggled to make the most of their overwhelming pressure. Their best opportunity came within five minutes, when they were gifted a penalty after Ferran Torres headed at Kaiky’s hand from two yards. Unlike Sergio Busquets, who handed Piqué the captain’s armband for the evening, Robert Lewandowski was in no mood for sentimentality, but he appeared far too complacent as his effort from 12 yards hit the post and trickled wide.
One-way traffic ensued as Barcelona looked for an opener. Almería goalkeeper Fernando needed to be on hand to thwart Torres, Ousmane Dembelé, Pedri, and Frenkie de Jong, while the former had a shot cleared off the line. Despite their commendable efforts to play from the back, the visitors struggled to get out of their own third, but did have a fantastic chance of their own. Largie Ramazani intercepted a pass just past the halfway line and bore down on Marc-André ter Stegen, but saw his shot saved by the German shot-stopper.
It took less than 180 seconds for Barça to take the lead after the interval. Busquets’ pinpoint diagonal pass found Dembelé, who cut inside, beat two men and arrowed a shot into the corner. Barcelona had not conceded a single goal in any of their first six home league matches this season, so the game felt as good as over as soon as they moved in front. The margin of victory was the only question remaining, and Xavi’s side added a second when De Jong volleyed home from close range. The high point came after 83 minutes, when a tearful Piqué was replaced by Andreas Christensen to a standing ovation from his adoring public - the perfect end to his glittering 18 years as a professional.
In the grander scheme of things, Barcelona move two points ahead of title rivals Real Madrid, who face Rayo Vallecano on Monday. Almería, meanwhile, sit 15th, and manager Rubi will be particularly worried by his side’s away form - they are now winless in their last 14 league matches on the road.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)