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Pique saves the day!

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Gerard Pique scored a late equaliser for the La Liga leaders Barcelona to salvage a 1-1 draw against Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium.

The Spaniard’s header preserves visitors’ unbeaten La Liga record and extend their run upto 22 games this season

Barcelona came close to breaking the deadlock after 11 minutes but Luis Suarez was unable to direct Andres Iniesta’s cross beyond Diego Lopez. Their club record signing Coutinho rattled the crossbar with a trademark right-footed strike having cut in from the left flank.

Espanyol grew into the contest and had their first sight of goal after an uncharacteristic lapse in concentration from Iniesta allowed Leo Baptistao to fire straight at Marc-Ande Ter Stegen. The match was evenly poised for some extent until Gerard Moreno met Sergio Garcia’s cross in 66th minute to give the hosts the lead in frosty weather conditions.

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde brought Lionel Messi off the substitutes’ bench and it was his free-kick that was headed in by Pique in the 82nd minute with eight minutes remaining.

The result extends Barcelona’s La Liga lead to 12 points over second-placed Atletico Madrid, who face Valencia later on Sunday. The Catalan club turn their attention to the second leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final against Valencia. While Espanyol travel to face Celta Vigo next Sunday in their next La Liga fixture.

 

 

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