- Pique scores 82nd minute equalizer to salvage a point for Barcelona against Espanyol
- The home team were looking to repeat their Copa Del Rey first leg win against Barcelona
- Lionel Messi started from the bench for Barcelona. It is the first time he is starting from the bench this season in the La Liga
Gerard Pique headed a late equalizer as Barcelona came from behind to salvage a point against Espanyol in a tough La Liga clash on Sunday, February 4.
On a rainy Sunday afternoon, Espanyol were dreaming of a repeat of their Copa Del Rey first leg win against Barcelona in the quarter final - Barcelona eventually won on aggregate 2-1.
Surprisingly, Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde made a very strange decision by starting Lionel Messi on the bench. It was the first time that the Argentine had not started a league match this season.
Suarez strikes at goal. Photo: @FCBarcelona on Twitter
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However, record signing Phillipe Coutinho started the game and almost opened his Barcelona goal scoring account in the first half when his his curling right-footer from outside the area smashed off the crossbar.
The home side also had chances of their own but it was goalless after the first 45 minutes. But after 20 minutes in the second half, Espanyol took the lead in the 66th minute through Gerard Moreno despite the introduction of Lionel Messi into the game.
Pique scores late to keep Barcelona's unbeaten run in La Liga intact. Photo: @FCBarcelona on Twitter
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But with eight minutes left to play, Pique spoiled the celebration as his 82nd minute header from a Lionel Messi freekick, helped Barcelona maintained their unbeaten streak in the LaLiga season, which now stands at 22 matches.
Barcelona remain unbeaten in the league and sit pretty on top of the log with 58 points from 22 games.
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Source: Sports.naija.ng
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