Barcelona s Gerard Pique waves supporters at the end of Spanish La Liga soccer match between Barcelona and Almeria at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. Photo: AP
After Robert Lewandowski missed an early penalty, Dembele opened the scoring in the 48th minute and De Jong put the result beyond doubt against the outclassed Almeria in the 62nd.
The 35-year-old Pique is a World Cup winner with Spain and three-time Champions League winner with Barcelona. He made the unexpected announcement this week that this would be the final home game of his 14-year career with the Catalan club. His retirement comes after losing his starting place this season.
Pique was applauded after the first touches he made and when he was substituted in the 84th. He hugged each of his teammates and waved to the 92,000-strong crowd, which gave him a standing ovation as he walked off Barcelona's home field for the final time.
The win over 15th-placed Almeria lifted Xavi Hernandez's side to the top of the Spanish league, two points ahead of Real Madrid before it plays at Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
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