Match Review: FC Barcelona vs Almeria (2-0)

Dembele and De Jong’s goals were almost secondary this evening. Pique started and bid farewell to the home supporters after announcing his retirement on Thursday.

This was his 616th appearance for the club. During his time at the club, he won 30 trophies. However he could yet make one more appearance – away at Osasuna on Tuesday.

Barca smothered Almeria from the off yet somehow failed to score in a first half which saw them have 16 shots.

Robert Lewandowski missed a penalty, Ferran Torres has six chances and Dembele saw a stopping header saved.

Almeria rarely threatened but they were given one chance thanks to a stray De Jong pass. Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved from Largie Ramazani, though.

Dembele found the breakthrough at the start of the second half with a fine solo goal after a good pass from Sergio Busquets.

The Frenchman should have made it two moments later after rounding the goalkeeper before De Jong did double Barca’s lead, firing home after Ansu Fati’s shot was saved.

Barca could have scored more but the goals were not the most important thing on Pique’s night; the defender taken off to a standing ovation after 83 minutes.