Pique’s last game at Camp Nou ends in a victory: Post-Match Analysis

byStanley –

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After a very dominant display from Xavi’s men, Barcelona come out as deserved winners of a game where there were a ton of emotions.


Today’ match between Barcelona and Almeria will sink in deep in the memory of every football loving fan out there. Today marked Gerard Pique’s last match at the Camp Nou and it was an emotional rollercoaster.


Although he might not be hanging up his boots until Tuesday in Pamplona, but Saturday was all about the Spanish defender saying goodbye to his family, the Catalan family, who showered him with countless d Although he might not be hanging up his boots until Tuesday in Pamplona, but Saturday was all about the Spanish defender saying goodbye to his family, the Catalan family, who showered him with countless displays of affection.


It’s an emotional moment, one that won't soon be forgotten.


A banner was visible in the center circle with the word Sempr3, a play on words with the Catalan defender's historic number '3'. During the warm-up, the defender also received applause from the stands every time he approached the corner.


And during the opening moments of the match, the fans chanted his name: Pique, Pique.


Every time he touched the ball, they applauded him.


Gerard Pique's post game speech:


“First of all, I want to thank all my teammates, the staff, the people at the gym, the club.


To everyone who helps us every day to make everything easier. Thanks to the Board for all these years.


In life, when you get older, sometimes to want to let go can mean letting go (he starts to cry).


A relationship of so much love, so much passion, I think it was time to give each other some space, to give each other some air, and I am convinced that in the future I will be here again."


The last time the Spotify Camp Nou was in this sort of emotional state was on the 20th of may 2018 during a game vs Real Sociedad. Once again the scoreline wasn’t the cause of the emotions as it was the same game where Iniesta was last going to play at the Camp Nou.


It’s always devastating when you realize that the day whereby another legend of the club departs is continuously approaching.




The emotion around Pique’s farewell played its part in that with how the game started. On five minutes Barcelona were awarded a penalty when Ferran Torres headed goalwards and the ball struck the outstretched arm of an Almeria defender. Robert Lewandowski gave Pique the eyes – the message was: do you want to take it? Pique told the Polish striker he should take the kick. He took it and it was probably the worst spot kick of his career.


Barcelona had a ton of chances in the first half including seven corners in the opening 30 minutes, and Pique headed just over from one chance. He was staying forward after the set-pieces but the ball was not reaching him.


Frenkie de Jong was also looking for Pique too much. His square pass across the pitch just inside his own half was intended for Pique but it was intercepted and darted towards goal. Ter Stegen saved the shot and De Jong’s embarrassment.


Jordi Alba was Barcelona’s biggest threat in the entire game. He had one shot saved and another cross went just beyond Torres.


The former Spanish international was through five minutes before half time but instead of finishing himself he crossed and Dembele headed straight at the keeper with the goal gaping – it was almost easier to score. He was having a poor first half and a crude challenge earned him a yellow card.


Dembele seemed to have taken that personally because just three minutes after the restart, he showed us why he is called ‘El Mosquito’. It was the essence of Dembele from the ridiculous to the sublime. Sergio Busquets played the pass to him and the French winger cut in from the right touchline swerving past three Almeria defenders before placing the ball in the left corner, as precise as finishes get.


He should have got a second five minutes later but after going around Almeria keeper Martinez he wanted to beat the rest of the defence too and failed to finish or pick out a desperate Lewandowski waiting for the pass.


After 60 minutes Ansu Fati came on and as always he was immediately making things happen. He ran on to Alba’s cross and although Martinez saved his shot it came out to De Jong who hammered it home on the volley for the second goal.


In the 82nd minute Gerard Pique was taken off and replaced by Andreas Christensen.


He embraced every player, and everyone on the Barcelona bench as he went off crying.


The game didn’t have any more goals and the 2:0 win was enough to put the Catalan giants on top of the table, putting pressure on Real Madrid as we hope to continue doing, but it will be with Pique no longer in a Barcelona shirt.

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