Gerard Piqué’s career ended in victory as Barcelona won 2-0 against UD Almería in LaLiga.
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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.
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.
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.
