PIQUE INJURED DURING MALLORCA GAME
Gerard Pique was an injury casualty for Barcelona during the Spanish La Liga clash with Real Mallorca at the weekend. Spanish centre back Pique had to leave the game towards the half hour mark after the Barcelona legend could not shake off the injury he had picked up earlier in the game.
Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez opted for a central defensive duo of Gerard Pique and Ronald Araujo as he tried to return to winning ways on home soil after a poor run of three straight defeats. Gerard Pique lasted for 28 minutes before he was replaced by compatriot Eric Garcia. At the time of his exit, Barcelona were leading thanks to the 25th minute strike from Dutchman Memphis Depay. The Dutch international was the recipient of the first goal of the game having been selected to play on the left side of the attack, while Gabonese star Pierre-EmerickAubameyang was the focal point of the attack. On his part, Spanish international Ferran Torres lined up on the right side of the attack.
The goal from Depay ensured that Barcelona went into the break with a one-goal lead. The lead was doubled when club skipper Sergio Busquets scored with nine second half minutes played. Barcelona were cruising to a much-needed home victory in the Spanish La Ligauntil they suffered a late scare when Mallorca centre back Antonio Raillo pulled one back for the away team via a volley from a free kick taken by substitute SalvaSevilla. Barcelona were able to keep their guests at bay for the final eleven minutes to seal the win that took them back to second spot on the league table.
Sevilla had taken second spot with their 1-1 draw at home to Cadiz on Friday. With the win over Real Mallorca, Barcelona now have two more points than Sevilla in the race for second spot in the Spanish top flight ahead of the final three games of the season.