Two goals from Lionel Messi and one from Sergio Busquets saw Barcelona defeat Las Palmas 3-0 on Sunday to maintain their perfect record in league play after seven matches. Barcelona’s request to have the match postponed due to the day’s events surrounding the Catalonia independence referendum was denied, and the match went ahead behind closed doors with defender Gerard Pique calling it the “worst experience” of his professional career.
“We all gave our opinions [in the dressing room], there were pros and cons for playing, but in the end, we decided to play,” said Pique. “I understand that there are supporters who do not understand that decision.”
¡GOOOL! @TeamMessi consigue el segundo del @FCBarcelona_es y ahora vence a la @UDLP_Oficial 2-0. #BarçaLasPalmas pic.twitter.com/mXafdZjhbS
— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) October 1, 2017
Y llega uno más del @FCBarcelona_es, uno más de @TeamMessi para ahora ganarle a las @UDLP_Oficial 3-0 #BarçaLasPalmas pic.twitter.com/mrcgFidZjM
— beIN SPORTS Español (@ESbeINSPORTS) October 1, 2017
Failure to play the match would’ve resulted in a forfeit and three-point deduction for Barca. “It was strange, it wasn’t normal,” said Busquets. “Today’s events marked the game. I don’t like at all that it had to be like this.”