Gerard Pique’s Career Ends With A Red Card As Barcelona Beats Osasuna 2-1

Gerard Pique was given a red card at half-time of his final match before retirement, seemingly for remonstrating with the referee, but Barcelona recovered from 1-0 down to beat Osasuna 2-1 and move five points clear at the top of La Liga on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old Pique, who waved goodbye to the Camp Nou last weekend, was incensed by referee Jesus Gil Manzano’s decision to show Barca striker Robert Lewandowski a second yellow card just after the half-hour mark.

Pique, who was only named as a substitute by Barca coach Xavi Hernandez, angrily approached Manzano at the break.

Spanish media reported that Pique asked the referee: “But do you realise who you sent off?”

It was only the second dismissal of Lewandowski’s career, with his second yellow given after an aerial challenge with David Garcia, who had earlier given Osasuna a sixth-minute lead.

Osasuna were hoping to climb into third place in La Liga with victory, but were pegged back despite Barca’s woes when Pedri levelled early in the second period.

Xavi was also booked before the hour mark as tempers threatened to boil over further.

But the Catalan giants had the final say when Brazil winger Raphinha headed home Frenkie de Jong’s cross with five minutes to play.

Barcelona are now five points clear of rivals Real Madrid who suffered a shock 3-2 defeat at Rayo Vallecano on Monday.